Since 2007, the National Center of Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg has been an "Oncology Center of Excellence – CCC", funded by German Cancer Aid (DKH). In 2007, German Cancer Aid launched its "Oncology Center of Excellence" funding program with the aim of continuously improving cancer medicine throughout Germany: Every cancer patient should have access to the best possible diagnostics and therapy based on the latest medical knowledge. The Comprehensive Cancer Centers are the top level of a comprehensive, three-level program launched by German Cancer Aid (DKH) and the German Cancer Society (DKG).

The certification system can support patients to find a suitable medical center for their condition. The centers differ according to institutions, specialization and networks:

• Oncology Center of Excellence that are comprehensively qualified and also conduct cancer research.
• Oncology Centers that specialize in different types of tumors and specialist areas.
• Organ Cancer Centers that specialize in a type of tumor.

Oncology centres of excellence must demonstrate outstanding and innovative patient care, accompanied by excellent clinical, translational and basic research. In 2022, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg was once again designated as a Center of Oncology Excellence. Central to this is not only the organisational networking and interdisciplinary cooperation of many departments and clinics on the Heidelberg campus, but also with numerous regional partners and general practitioners.

There are currently fourteen certified Organ Cancer Centers at the Oncology Center, each specializing in a specific tumor disease: Breast Cancer Center, Skin Cancer Center, Gynecological Cancer Center, Pediatric Oncology Center, Head and Neck Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center incl. mesothelioma unit, Prostate Cancer Center, Sarcoma Center, Visceral Oncology Center (Colorectal Cancer Center, Liver Cancer Center, Stomach Cancer Center and Esophageal Cancer Center), Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer (FBREK) and the Center for Hematologic Neoplasms. The DKG certification confirms that high quality standards are met and that there is intensive interdisciplinary and multiprofessional cooperation between the specialist disciplines involved.