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A message from Dr. Kimryn Rathmell to the cancer community – National Cancer Institute

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Jan 21, 2025, 10:08

A message from Dr. Kimryn Rathmell to the cancer community – National Cancer Institute

” ‘Together, we will continue to make a difference.’

Dr. Kimryn Rathmell reflects on the contributions of the cancer community and the continuing work of cancer research.

Read her message below.

Reflections and Hope: A message from Dr. Kimryn Rathmell to the cancer community.

When a community is affected by cancer — in even one member — the family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even acquaintances are often impacted.

We rally support, we hug and we cry, and we redouble our collective efforts to advance the science that can prevent, detect, treat, or cure this set of diseases.

As I reflect on what I have come to know about the cancer community, I am inspired and confident that this broad network of committed individuals will come together to produce outstanding advances for the benefit of so many, as they have so many times throughout history.

Shouldering arm in arm — patients, scientists, care providers, students—to make the experience better for the patient today, and to make the expectations better for the patient of tomorrow.

In the words of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, who I had the distinct pleasure to work with during her term as NIH director, ‘NIH’s work is not finished when we deliver scientific discoveries; our work is finished when all people are living long and healthy lives.’

This work will absolutely continue. Because we have an obligation to offer hope for people with cancer. Because we know that we must eliminate inequities so that all people can benefit. Because we have learned to effectively partner with patients and advocates. Because we have the knowledge and tools to accelerate progress.

For these reasons and more, we redouble our collective efforts, at NCI and across the cancer community, to remind ourselves why cancer research matters and why we must continue to support cancer research.

As I move this afternoon from my role as NCI director back to private citizen championing innovation in medical science, equity in health care, commitment to mentorship, and reliance on engagement, communication, and partnership as means to build trust, I want to remind all of us that public support for cancer research matters.

Public support and funding for cancer research is the cornerstone of our signature transformation in the trajectory of this set of diseases — as demonstrated just this week in the newly published Cancer Facts and Figures 2025 — just one example of a unique partnership of federally and privately funded work, that showcases how accurate information informs science and policy.

Together, we will continue to make a difference.

– W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD”

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