PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To improve screening and early detection strategies and to develop accurate diagnostic techniques and methods for predicting the course of disease in cancer patients. Screening and Early Detection research includes development of strategies to decrease cancer mortality by finding tumors early when they are more amenable to treatment. Diagnosis research focuses on methods to determine the presence of a specific type of cancer and to predict its course and response to therapy. These methods include diagnostic imaging and direct analyses of tumor specimens. Support is also provided for establishing and maintaining resources of human tissue to facilitate research. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To expand and improve the SBIR program; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; to increase small business participation in Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. EDUCATION;
- General Research and Evaluation;
2. HEALTH;
- Health Research - General;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Individual/Family;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);