Cancer Research Funding

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Cancer Survivors

Cancer Research

Cancer research saves lives and makes more time for survivors.

By investing in the research of today, Congress can help prevent, detect, and treat many of the cancers of tomorrow, creating countless moments for patients and their loved ones in the process.

Every major breakthrough in the fight against cancer has one thing in common: the research was in some way funded by the federal government's National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.

Increased funding for cancer research lengthens and saves lives and must be a top budget priority for Congress.
 

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Bernsons
National

Progress in the fight against cancer is possible, but not guaranteed. Sign the petition today.

Dana lost her husband, Jon, to a rare form of cancer when she was only 29. Now, Dana and her mother Sandi are fighting caner together in honor of Jon. Sign the petition now to urge Congress to increase funding for cancer research.

Sign the petition.
National

Urge your senators to prioritize cancer research funding.

Advocates like you spoke up. U.S. senators are now writing their version of the spending bill, and we need to build on this momentum for a stronger investment in cancer research.

 

Contact your senators today.
National

President's budget proposal falls short for cancer patients.

The president released his annual budget proposal calling for cuts to research funding. We can't afford to stand still in the fight against cancer. Contact your member of Congress and urge them to invest in cancer research.

Contact your member of Congress today

Latest Updates

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**MEDIA ADVISORY FOR SATURDAY EVENT**

September 25, 2026
Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Cancer patients, survivors and loved ones will gather Saturday at 6 p.m. for the first Hope Run to celebrate cancer survivorship and honor those who’ve passed away from the disease. Participants will also hold a touching luminary tribute display called Lights of Hope. The Lights

New Mexico Residents Meet with Congressional Candidate Greg Cunningham (CD-02) to Discuss Cancer Policies Ahead of Election

September 23, 2026
New Mexico

On Tuesday, volunteer advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gathered with congressional candidate Greg Cunningham at the Classic Desert Aire Hotel in Alamogordo to discuss cancer in New Mexico and policies that can help in the fight against the disease. This effort was part of

ACS CAN Warns Political Interference Could Threaten Cancer Research

September 22, 2026
National

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) today expressed deep concern following media reports of a new planned executive order placing greater political control over research grant decisions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Hundreds of Cancer Advocates Travel to D.C. Urging Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority

September 14, 2026
National

More than 750 cancer patients, survivors and advocates from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico, will be on Capitol Hill this week.

Cancer Research Funding Resources

ACS CAN Supports the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 3521 / S. 4440)

August 21, 2026

The Clinical Trial Modernization Act (H.R. 3521 / S. 4440) increases access to clinical trials by allowing clinical trial sponsors to provide financial support to patients for costs associated with their trial participation, including medical cost-sharing like copays, and non-medical expenses such as travel, parking, food and lodging.

ACS and ACS CAN Oppose OMB rule on grantmaking

July 13, 2026

ACS and ACS CAN have submitted joint comments opposing a proposed rule from OMB that would dramatically change how federal grants are made and managed.  The proposal would require political review of grants, make grants easy to cancel, and would erect significant barriers to DEI-related research.

ACS CAN Comments on NIH Strategic Plan

June 19, 2026

NIH plays a critical role in the cancer research ecosystem, driving basic discoveries, supporting research infrastructure, and funding critical research that would not be funded by any other entity. ACS CAN has provided recommendations to NIH as it develops its next 5-year strategic plan.