WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the administration releases its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes funding reductions to the National Institutes of Health of approximately 12%, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on Congress to maintain its longstanding bipartisan commitment to robust, increased investments in cancer research and prevention.
The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN:
“Last year, Congress demonstrated what is possible when lawmakers from both parties come together with a shared commitment to addressing cancer. Those bipartisan investments have helped advance research, improve access to care, and support patients and families across the country. We are grateful for that continued commitment and the progress it has enabled.
“In fact, for the past 50 years, every significant medical breakthrough, especially in the treatment of cancer, has been linked to this sustained federal investment in research. This commitment has contributed to the remarkable statistic of over 18 million cancer survivors currently living in the U.S. today.
“At a time when the president’s budget once again proposes cuts to the National Institutes of Health, including a large fiscal reduction to the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and essentially flat funding for the National Cancer Institute, it is more important than ever for Congress to support increased funding for these key agencies, as well as cancer prevention and control programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Robust investment is essential to driving innovation and ensuring continued progress against cancer.
“Reducing or leveling out funding would risk slowing scientific discovery and delaying new prevention, early detection and treatments for patients who are counting on continued advancements. We know that continued increases in investment that keep up with inflation lead to better outcomes, and Congress has an opportunity to again reaffirm its bipartisan support by prioritizing these investments in cancer research and prevention in the appropriations process.
“Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 2.1 million estimated new cases and 626,140 cancer deaths expected this year alone. Ongoing federal investment is critical to reducing this burden and ensuring that everyone has access to prevention, early detection and treatment services.
“ACS CAN looks forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to secure strong funding levels and continue the progress made over the past year. Together, we can end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
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