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Fighting cancer through research is America at its best. Research has led to major advancements in prevention, early detection and treatment. These advancements have been a significant factor driving down the cancer death rate by 34% since 1991. Through cancer research, we can save more lives from cancer.  

However, progress in future discovery is at risk. Workforce reductions, proposals to decrease funding, a drop in the number of new grants approved for funding and more all jeopardize progress in the fight against cancer.  

Providing robust cancer research funding and ensuring patients can access the latest innovations through clinical trials must be priorities for lawmakers.  

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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.

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National

Tell Congress: Increase patient access to the latest advancements in cancer care

By passing the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, Congress can remove barriers to clinical trial participation and ensure more cancer patients have access to the latest scientific advancements and cutting-edge treatments.

Contact your member of Congress today
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How has cancer research funding impacted you?

Stories help demonstrate why cancer research funding is so important. If you've been impacted by advancements in cancer research or recent cuts to clinical trials, we want to hear from you.

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Latest Updates

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Sweeping Changes in Grantmaking Could Jeopardize the Future of Cancer Research and the Country’s Global Leadership in Biomedical Innovation

June 9, 2026
National

In late May, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule that would fundamentally change how federal grants and contracts would be awarded and managed, opening the door for interference and jeopardizing federal research investments. These changes would affect work funded by the National Institutes

Alabama Cancer Researcher to Travel to Capitol Hill to Urge Continued Federal Investment in Cancer Research

May 19, 2026
Alabama

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cancer survivors, researchers and advocates, including Lynne Nacke of Birmingham, will travel to Capitol Hill on May 21 to deliver a message to Congress: America’s progress against cancer is working but continued investment is essential to save more lives. The advocates represent researchers developing the next

Bipartisan Legislation Aimed at Improving Access to Clinical Trials for Patients Introduced in the Senate

May 1, 2026
National

A new bill that would improve access to clinical trials was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (S. 4440) would help reduce cost and geographic barriers, making it easier for patients to take part in clinical trials. U.S. Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the House version (H.R. 3521) of this legislation in May 2025.

Congress Must Continue Bipartisan Commitment to Cancer Research and Prevention Funding Amid Insufficient Investment in President’s Budget

April 3, 2026
National

As the administration releases its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, 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.

Cancer Research Resources

ACS CAN Supports Increased Research Funding in FY27

May 18, 2026

Increased investment at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and level funding for Advanced Research Projects for Health (ARPA-H), in the fight against cancer year over year have been key to reducing the nation’s cancer mortality rate by 34% since 1991. To

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

May 22, 2025

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 CAN Comments on FDA Guidance on Integrating Randomized Controlled Trials into Routine Clinical Practice

December 15, 2024

ACS CAN submitted comments on draft U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on Integrating Randomized Controlled Trials for Drug and Biological Products into Routine Clinical Practice.