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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Federal funding for cancer research is at risk. Congress must help protect it.

Congress is running out of time to pass a budget bill to continue funding the government, and funding for vital cancer research and prevention programs is at risk. 

Contact your members of Congress now
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
National

Test your cancer research knowledge!

Why is federal funding for cancer research so important? What would happen if Congress cuts research funding? Take this short quiz to find out.

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Latest Updates

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New Paper Finds Travel Distance Remains Barrier for Patients to Access National Cancer Center-Funded Sites

October 3, 2025
National

A new paper in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science finds that travel distance to National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded sites remains a key barrier for patients wanting to participate in clinical trials or research at these locations.

Emory Lights of Hope to Honor Lives Touched by Cancer

September 30, 2025
Georgia

ATLANTA – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is partnering with students at Emory University to host a Lights of Hope Night of Remembrance and Advocacy on Wednesday, October 1, to honor lives touched by cancer and champion the urgent need for continued investment in funding

Local Cancer Advocate Receives National Volunteer Award for Excellence

September 17, 2025
Ohio

The Award is Given Annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Hundreds of Cancer Advocates Gather in D.C. to Urge Congress to Sustain Vital Research and Prevention Funding

September 15, 2025
National

As the September 30th government funding deadline nears, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors and advocates from every corner of the United States, including Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico, are heading to Capitol Hill to make their voices heard. They will ask lawmakers to prioritize cancer research and prevention programs, along with other proven cancer-fighting policies, highlighting the real-life impact these investments have on patients, families and communities nationwide.

Cancer Research Funding Resources

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. 
 

ACS Comments on NIH Modernization Proposal

August 16, 2024

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. 

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.