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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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.

Nearly 750 cancer advocates are uniting in the nation’s capital to fight cancer

September 8, 2025

In just a few days, nearly 750 cancer advocates will arrive in Washington, D.C. to participate in ACS CAN’s annual Leadership Summit & Lobby Day (LS&LD), a 3-day event where volunteers meet with their congressional delegation to advocate for critical cancer issues. But the event is also an all-encompassing opportunity

House Appropriations Committee to Consider Funding Bill with Increase for Cancer Research

September 8, 2025
National

Tomorrow, the House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider the draft FY26 appropriations bill approved on September 2 nd by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. The bill includes an increase in funding for cancer research and cancer prevention and control programs.

New Billboard Sends Clear Message About Cancer Research Funding

September 4, 2025
Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan . – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has placed a new billboard in the Topeaka area to catch Congress’s attention ahead of the upcoming budget process in Washington, D.C. ACS CAN is calling on Congress to provide robust funding for the National Institutes of

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.