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.
 

Take Action

Caroline standing in front of the Capitol
National

Caroline is living proof that cancer research saves lives. Sign the petition today.

At 28 years old, Caroline was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Thanks to a surgical technique made possible by cancer research, Caroline survived and is a living a full life with her two daughters. Sign the petition today to urge Congress to increase funding for cancer research.

Sign the petition here.
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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New Billboard Thanks Congress for Helping 18 Million Cancer Survivors Celebrate America's 250th

August 4, 2026
Oklahoma

The FY26 appropriations bill included $47.2 billion for the National Institutes of Health, a $415 million increase over FY25 funding, and $7.352 billion for the National Cancer Institute, an increase of $128 million. Thanks in large part to the leadership of Oklahoma’s Rep. Tom Cole and Rep. Stephanie Bice as members of the powerful U.S. House Appropriations Committee. T

ACS CAN Applauds Senate Continuing Resolution that Preserves Stability in Federal Research Funding

August 3, 2026
National

Last night, the Senate released the text of its continuing resolution to fund the federal government thru mid-December.

New Billboard Thanks Congress for Helping 18 Million Cancer Survivors Celebrate America's 250th

July 23, 2026
Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – July 22, 2026 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has placed a billboard in Montgomery to thank Congress for demonstrating a strong commitment to cancer prevention and research in the latest appropriations bill. “As a cancer survivor who was diagnosed when my daughter

Budget Excludes Increase in State Investment in Cancer Research, Advocates Now Look to Legislation Awaiting Consideration

June 29, 2026
New Jersey

Patient advocates and medical and public health leaders are renewing their call for an increased state investment in cancer research after the FY27 state budget maintained level funding for the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR). The budget was finalized as support for legislation to increase annual state funding

Cancer Research Funding Resources

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. 

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.