Cancer Research Funding

Share

Cancer Survivors

Related Priorities

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

Researcher in lab
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. 

Send a Message to your Member of Congress
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.  

Share Your Story Today

Latest Updates

See More Updates

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 Action Day Puts Alabama Research on Display, Urges Continued Investment

March 24, 2026
Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In a show of unity among scientists across Alabama, more than 50 cancer researchers from multiple universities will gather for a symposium at the State House in Montgomery on Tuesday, March 31. They will include students, staff and professors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama

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.

Cancer Research Funding Resources

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. 

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). 

  •