The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is pleased to see President Biden’s continued focus on and dedication to achieving the goal of the Cancer Moonshot to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

As part of his FY25 budget proposal released March 11, the president prioritized reducing the cancer burden nationwide through sustained investment in accelerated research at the Advanced Research Projects Agency on Health (ARPA-H) and increased investment in cancer prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The budget also included a proposal to reauthorize the 21st Century Cures Act Cancer Moonshot Program through FY26 by providing $2.9 billion in mandatory funding for over two years and increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). The proposal would increase the CDC Cancer Programs by $90 million over FY23, including a $45 million increase for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

The following is a statement from ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse on the president’s FY25 budget release:

“We’re pleased to see President Biden continue to identify opportunities to focus our nation’s investment on addressing the more than 200 diseases known as cancer, particularly amidst a difficult budget year.

“The progress made in reducing our nation’s cancer mortality rate is undeniable, but much work remains. On behalf of the 2 million individuals who will hear the words: ‘you have cancer’ and the families of more than 611,000 who are expected to die from the disease in America this year, Congress must build on the president’s budget and prioritize funding in the fight against cancer so we can end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”

On federal research funding...

“A proposed increase of $871.5 million over FY23 million for NIH, including an increase of $522 million for NCI as well as $1.5 billion for ARPA-H, and a proposal to reauthorize the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes $2.9 billion for the Cancer Moonshot, through FY2026,would continue to build on the critical advances we’ve made to date and spur further discovery that is essential to further saving lives from cancer.

“It is clear the president is keenly focused on accelerating discovery, and research has been and will continue to be paramount to our ability to achieve the goals of the Moonshot. We will continue to elevate the importance of NCI’s work and advocate for robust increases year over year to maximize our potential in ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.

On federal cancer prevention programs...

“A funding increase for cancer control programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the Office of Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would further promote proven cancer prevention and early detection. It is imperative that federal resources are dedicated to applying what we know and promoting discovery for the cancers that remain deadly.

On clinical trials...

“The federal government has played an instrumental role in cancer advances and discovery over the last half century. Clinical trials conducted through the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) are estimated to have extended the lives of patients with cancer in the U.S. by at least 14.2 million life-years. As the largest public funder in the fight against cancer, that investment by the federal government must be prioritized to ensure progress to achieve the Moonshot goals continues.

On access to affordable, quality care... 

“Equitable access to affordable, comprehensive care is imperative to truly realize the potential of the advances we have made and will make in how we prevent, detect, and treat cancer and promote survivorship.

“Making expanded Marketplace subsidies permanent and closing the Medicaid coverage gap in states that have yet to expand Medicaid both play a pivotal role in achieving the president’s ambitious Moonshot goal of significantly reducing cancer incidence and deaths in the next 25 years. We will continue to strongly advocate for these policy interventions that are proven to help people access and afford their health care.”

On paid medical and family leave...

“Furthermore, having access to paid medical and family leave is critical for cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. ACS CAN research has found that a majority (74%) of cancer patients and survivors say they missed work due to their illness, most of whom reported missing more than four weeks of work. If we are to significantly reduce cancer deaths, we must work to ensure individuals aren’t forced to choose between their treatment and their employment.

This press release was originally March 11, 2024, by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. It is republished with permission.