"Cancer research is the core of ASCO’s mission and cancer cannot be conquered without continued robust federal investment for biomedical research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Considering recently announced changes to NIH grant funding, ASCO is advocating for its members to make clear to decision makers that any efforts to streamline the research environment must be carefully considered and should be developed with public and private stakeholder input—including from researchers, institutions, and Congress.
On February 18, ASCO joined a dozen other medical and patient advocacy organizations submitting affidavits in a case seeking to halt the NIH funding changes. ASCO’s affidavit details the significant damage that could result from the changes, including the disproportionate burden on rural and community health clinics as well as on pediatric cancer patients. On February 20, a federal judge extended a temporary restraining order blocking the cuts until she rules on the underlying case.
Additionally, ASCO joined Research!America in a letter to the leadership of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees urging that they prioritize robust NIH funding in any final FY 2025 funding bill and reiterating the significant risks of moving forward with the current grant funding changes.
ASCO members and all cancer care professionals are also encouraged to visit ASCO’s ACT Network and send a message directly to their lawmakers about the need for robust federal funding for cancer research at NIH and NCI.
If you have specific examples of how these funding changes are impacting your ability to deliver high quality cancer care, including effects on current or future research, please share those experiences with us. Your input will help us better advocate on your behalf."
