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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National

Congress: Protect and Increase Lifesaving Cancer Research Funding

Ending cancer as we know it, for everyone, starts in Congress and sustained funding for lifesaving cancer research. Send a message to your members of Congress today and urge them to prioritize the fight against cancer. 

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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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NJ Assembly Introduces Legislation to Bolster State Investment in Cancer Research, Following Senate’s Lead

March 9, 2026
New Jersey

Earlier today, legislation was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly as a companion to Senate Bill 773, proposing to increase the state’s investment in the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR). Assembly Bill 4579 would establish a dedicated, non-lapsing investment in the amount of $10 million, utilizing a greater proportion of the state tobacco tax revenue to do so. With bills now moving in both chambers, survivors and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are encouraged by the growing momentum to expand support for cancer research and accelerate lifesaving innovations.

Patient Advocates Send Message to State Leaders: ‘Defend Medicaid Access to Precision Medicine'

February 10, 2026
New York

Following today’s health-Medicaid budget hearing, more than a dozen cancer survivors and ACS CAN advocates gathered at the New York State Capitol to call on lawmakers to preserve access to biomarker testing, a priority shared by over 100 organizations statewide . Advocates also expressed hope that the one‑house and final budgets will include meaningful investments in cancer prevention and early detection.

ACS CAN Applauds Passage of Key Provisions in Appropriations Package That Demonstrate Cancer Remains a National Priority

February 3, 2026

This week, Congress officially passed its FY26 appropriations bill that delivers major wins in the fight against cancer and reinforces that cancer remains a national priority. The package includes critical investments in cancer research and prevention programs, advancements in childhood cancer care, passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell

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.

Cancer Research Funding Resources

ACS CAN Comments Regarding the Creation of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

July 19, 2021

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). 

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