Cancer Survivors Urge Funding for Research on Capitol Hill

Cancer survivors and advocates gathered on Capitol Hill on March 14, 2023, to demand increased federal funding for cancer research. The rally featured personal testimonies, highlighting the urgent need for continued support in the fight against cancer.

Among the attendees was Morgan Newman, who traveled from Norwalk, Iowa. Newman, a cervical cancer survivor, shared her personal experience of being diagnosed at the age of 24. “It’s a life disruptor,” she stated. “Everything changes.” Now nine years cancer-free, Newman emphasized the importance of early detection and research, saying, “Without early detection and cancer research, I wouldn’t be here today telling my story.”

Several lawmakers joined forces with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to advocate for enhanced funding. Representative 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.” Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) urged the audience to unite in the effort, declaring, “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.”

Concerns about potential cuts to federal cancer research funding were voiced by advocates and Democratic lawmakers. Representative Terri Sewell (D-Alabama) expressed apprehension regarding the current administration’s budget proposals, stating, “This administration is about cutting funding.” The Office of Management and Budget has proposed a cut of approximately one-third, or around $2.7 billion, to the budget of the National Cancer Institute for the fiscal year 2026.

While Congress’s government funding proposal maintains the National Cancer Institute’s budget, the White House has dismissed fears of cuts as unfounded. Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, claimed that funding allocated to cancer research has not been altered, emphasizing that “NIH continues to invest significantly in bold and innovative cancer research.” This commitment is reflected in the National Cancer Institute’s budget of over $7 billion, the largest among NIH institutes.

The rally served as a platform for cancer research advocates, who have been meeting with lawmakers from both parties. Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, noted the growing momentum for increased funding. “There’s a lot of momentum around our vision to accelerate funding, increase funding for cancer research,” Jacobson said.

For Morgan Newman, the fight for more research funding is far from over. “We have a lot of work to do, and people shouldn’t die from this disease anymore,” she asserted, reaffirming her commitment to making cancer research a priority. The rally underscored the collective determination of survivors and advocates to ensure that federal support for cancer research remains a critical issue on the national agenda.