Alarming Threats to Cancer Research Progress
Cancer research has a long history of bipartisan support, and securing strong funding in the fight against childhood cancer is one of our core policy priorities at Children's Cancer Cause. Toward this goal, we work closely with coalition partners to ensure that Congress understands the critical role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in advancing progress for cancer patients and survivors.
Cancer research is currently facing a great deal of uncertainty as significant changes sweep through federal agencies.
The Administration just today announced a "dramatic restructuring" of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which will include a consolidation of divisions and regional offices. The plan calls for a reduction in workforce at NIH of approximately 1,200 employees.
Pictured: Cancer research advocates at the March 2025 OVAC Grassroots Lobby Day
Recent headlines underscore the risks to science and research at NIH:
NY Times: ‘Chaos and Confusion’ at the Crown Jewel of American Science
The Atlantic: The NIH’s Grant Terminations Are ‘Utter and Complete Chaos’
STAT News: Cancer research, long protected, feels ‘devastating’ effects under Trump
Speaking up for patients and survivors:
At a One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) Grassroots Lobby Day this month, we joined with advocates to urge Congress to complete their work on Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations.
The week before, hundreds of childhood cancer families and survivors from 40 states participated in 232 meetings with lawmakers and Congressional staff as part of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer Action Days. Our united message stressed the importance of ongoing support for the NCI, NIH, CDC, and federal funding for cancer research and cancer prevention programs.
Cuts to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program:
On March 14th, Congress passed a full-year Continuing Resolution (CR) that provides level funding for FY25 (the same amounts as FY24). Regrettably, the CR also included a drastic 57% cut to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). The CDMRP includes the Department of Defense's Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP), which supports innovative cancer research - including targeted research focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. The childhood cancer community has consistently advocated for this program and its continued funding.
We stand with the broader health community in opposing any changes that threaten the long history of stable, uninterrupted, and robust federal support for cancer research.
Children and adolescents with some cancers, such as certain leukemias and lymphomas, now have five-year survival rates of over 85% compared to 58% in 1970. This increase is a direct consequence of deliberate cooperation among pediatric oncologists, hospitals, and academic institutions to enroll children jointly on research studies of new therapies. Research enabling these lifesaving results comes predominantly from funding through the NIH and NCI. Learn more about how an ongoing research investment by the NIH and NCI is essential to the lives and well-being of children and adolescents with cancer.