Cancer Research Funding

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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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Cancer research cuts have consequences.

The president's recent budget proposal calls for a 37% cut to cancer research funding. Send a message to your member of Congress today and urge them to reject these outrageous proposed cuts.

Latest Updates

June 2, 2025
Texas

Austin, TX. – With the end of the 2025 Texas legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is optimistic that more people will have access to cancer prevention and early detection services and reinforces its commitment to this effort. In reflection on the session, ACS

May 30, 2025
National

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the president released his final proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 which contains $4.531 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This represents a cut of almost $2.7 billion, or approximately 37.2%, from the current fiscal year. The following is a statement from the American Cancer

May 20, 2025
National

New federal legislation that would make it easier for all cancer patients to participate in clinical trials was introduced today in the House of Representatives. Sponsored by U.S. Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas), the Clinical Trial Modernization Act would help remove cost and geographic hurdles that prevent patients from participating in clinical trials.

May 2, 2025
National

Today, the president released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 which contains a 26.2% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This includes a 37% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and eliminates the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cancer Research Funding Resources

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. 

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. 

In response to a request for information related to the 21st Century Cures 2.0 initiative, ACS CAN provided comments regarding the creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).