The mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is to provide expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases. As an affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute, Dana-Farber also provides training for new generations of physicians and scientists, designs programs that promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations, and disseminates innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries to our target community across the United States and throughout the world.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's ultimate goal is the eradication of cancer, AIDS, and related diseases and the fear that they engender. Above all else, Dana-Farber makes a difference by relieving the burden of disease now and for the future through our research, clinical care, education, outreach and advocacy.
Dana-Farber Is Celebrating 75 Years
In 1947, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was founded as the Children's Cancer Research Foundation by Sidney Farber, MD. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff and faculty, the tremendous trust of patients and families, and the support of the community, Dana-Farber is celebrating 75 years of Dr. Farber’s legacy of groundbreaking research and exceptional care.
In 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge was founded by Billy Starr and has been fundraising for Dana-Farber ever since – funding Dana-Farber for 43 years, more than half of its history!
Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Is the Top Pediatric Cancer Program in the US
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center was named #1 in the nation in US News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Children's Hospitals report. Dana-Farber/Boston Children's has been recognized as one of the top three pediatric cancer centers in the country each year since the ranking's inception, earning more #1 rankings than any other program.
Learn More
Learn about the progress being made at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the annual PMC Progress Update.
Patient Referral
Request an Appointment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the world's premier cancer centers, is committed to providing total care, meeting both your physical and psychosocial needs. Listed above are a few ways to make an appointment to consult with one of the DFCI teams of care providers.
By Phone
For adult patients, please call (877) 332-4294.
For pediatric patients, please call (888) PEDI-ONC (733-4662)
Online Consultation
If you would like to consult with one of our physicians, but are unable to come to Boston, please consider our Online Specialty Consultations service.
By Online Form
To request an appointment online, please fill out and submit the form at the following link: