Cancer Research Funding

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Cancer Survivors

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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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Researcher in lab

Cancer research saves lives. We need Congress to fund it.

Every major breakthrough in fighting cancer is thanks in part to federal research funding. Urge Congress to continue the fight and prioritize cancer research funding. 

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National

Share your HOPE for cancer cures

We’re collecting messages of hope from advocates coast-to-coast, and we'd love to include yours. Your message will become part of a virtual display wall that inspires others and strengthens our movement.

Share your hope for cancer cures today
National

Do you have a story to tell about the impact of cancer research funding?

If you’re a cancer patient, survivor, caregiver, researcher, medical professional, or someone who has lost a loved one to cancer, please record a short video now to help show that cancer research saves lives.  

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Latest Updates

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Maryland Cancer Survivors to Governor Moore: ‘Protect Lifesaving Cancer Care and the Research That Makes It Possible’

January 21, 2026
Maryland

With the imminent release of Governor Wes Moore’s executive budget proposal, cancer survivors are increasingly anxious about what this budget will mean for three key line items. They are hopeful that the state restores funding for the tobacco control program and maintains its investments in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Program (BCCDT) as well as ongoing research at the University of Maryland Medical System Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center and the Johns Hopkins University Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Their message to the governor and General Assembly: cancer prevention and early detection and the research behind modern screening, treatment and prevention tools are critical in the fight against cancer.

Congress Demonstrates Strong Commitment to Cancer Prevention and Cures in FY26 Appropriations Bill

January 20, 2026
National

Today, the Congressional Appropriations Committees released the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill that reaffirms the bipartisan commitment to advancing cancer research and saving lives by continued and increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Cancer Survivors Look to State Leaders to Ensure Access to Quality & Affordable Care, Invest in Innovation in New Legislative Session

January 12, 2026
New York

As New York State’s 2026 legislative session begins and Governor Hochul prepares to deliver her State of the State address, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is calling on lawmakers to seize both immediate and long-term opportunities to ease the burden of cancer. Advocates are urging state leaders to prioritize affordability and ensure continued progress in the fight against this disease.

New Paper Finds Travel Distance Remains Barrier for Patients to Access National Cancer Center-Funded Sites

October 3, 2025
National

A new paper in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science finds that travel distance to National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded sites remains a key barrier for patients wanting to participate in clinical trials or research at these locations.

Cancer Research Funding Resources

Drug Pricing Reform Proposals: Considerations for Cancer Care

September 10, 2025

Drug therapies are the bedrock of cancer care. Making these therapies affordable, while continuing to encourage innovation of new treatments, is crucial to accomplishing the mission of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. ACS CAN has long fought for public policies that support both the affordability and availability of medically necessary prescription drugs. 
 

ACS Comments on NIH Modernization Proposal

August 16, 2024

The House Energy and Commerce Committee sought community feedback on potential structural and policy changes at the National Institutes of Health.  ACS CAN offered suggestions related to NCI and the proposal's impacts on cancer research. 

Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

May 12, 2023

By focusing explicitly on bold, transformative, and applied research projects, ARPA-H holds the potential to quickly bridge the gap between the research lab and the patient.