From 1997 to 2005, the National Cancer Policy Board existed at the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council to address broad policy issues that affect cancer in the United States and to recommend ways to advance the Nation's effort against cancer. The board, consisting of 20 members drawn from outside the federal government, included health care consumers, providers, and researchers in a variety of disciplines in the sciences and humanities.

During the eight years of its life, the Board brought together leaders from the cancer community to identify and conduct studies and other activities contributing to cancer research, prevention, treatment, and public awareness.  The Board enjoyed an unusual flexibility in its grants of unrestricted funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The combination of multi-disciplinary expertise (basic, clinical, and public health scientists, consumers, and advocates) and resources to realize their ideas produced a remarkably original and diverse body of work contributing to improvements in knowledge and public policy.  

On May 1, 2005, the National Cancer Policy Forum was established to succeed the Board. IOM forums are designed to allow government, industry, academic, and other representatives to meet and confer privately on subject areas of mutual interest. This Forum provides a focus within the National Academies for the consideration of issues in science, clinical medicine, public health, and public policy relevant to the goals of preventing, palliating, and curing cancer.