Cancer Survivors Demand Increased Federal Funding on Capitol Hill

Cancer survivors and advocates gathered on March 5, 2024, on Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to prioritize federal funding for cancer research. The event highlighted the personal journeys of individuals affected by cancer and the need for continued investment in research to combat the disease.

Among the attendees was Morgan Newman, a 33-year-old cancer survivor from Norwalk, Iowa. Diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 24, Newman shared her story, emphasizing the profound impact of early detection and research on her survival. “It’s a life disruptor,” she stated. “Everything changes.” After nine years cancer-free, she expressed gratitude for the advancements in research that made her recovery possible.

Lawmakers Join Rally for Cancer Research

At the rally, several lawmakers expressed their support for bolstering funding for cancer research initiatives. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) addressed the crowd, stating, “Rightfully, we come here today to say what can we do? And Washington is a pretty good place to start.” He emphasized the importance of legislative support in the fight against cancer.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) echoed these sentiments, urging attendees to unite in advocating for essential resources. “We have to stand together and fight together to make sure the NIH and the CDC have the resources they need to finish this fight,” she declared, drawing cheers from the audience.

Concerns were voiced regarding the potential reduction of federal funding for cancer research under the current administration. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Alabama) pointed out the need to protect funding for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A budget request for the 2026 fiscal year indicated a proposed cut of approximately one-third, or around $2.7 billion, from the NCI’s budget.

Federal Reactions and Funding Assurance

In response to concerns, the White House maintained that cuts to cancer research funding are unfounded. Kush Desai, a spokesperson for the White House, stated, “The fact of the matter is that NIH funding allocated to cancer research has not been cut or changed.” He further explained that reallocating funds from certain grants would enhance support for more impactful research.

An NIH representative reinforced this commitment, noting that “ending the scourge of cancer is one of our highest priorities.” The organization’s budget for the NCI exceeds $7 billion, the largest allocation among NIH institutes. They clarified that the grants recently canceled account for only 0.7% of the NCI’s overall budget.

Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, highlighted the momentum behind the call for increased funding. He noted that advocates had been meeting with lawmakers from both political parties throughout the week, reinforcing the urgency for enhanced investment in cancer research.

For Morgan Newman, the fight for cancer research funding remains personal. “We have a lot of work to do, and people shouldn’t die from this disease anymore,” she asserted. The rally not only amplified the voices of survivors but also underscored the critical need for sustained federal support to advance cancer research and treatment.