Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, shared post on LinkedIn:
“After speaking with colleagues and lawmakers last week on Capitol Hill during ASCO’s Advocacy Summit, it’s clearer than ever that cancer research is transforming care—and we can’t lose that momentum.
Together with nearly 200 ASCO colleagues, we met with Members of Congress and their staff to share our perspectives on the most pressing issues in cancer care today. Among our top priorities: federal funding for cancer research.
It’s one thing for elected officials to see funding requests in print—black and white numbers amid a sea of other requests. It’s something entirely different to hear directly from oncologists and researchers about what that funding means in practice: life-saving discoveries and scientific advancements that bring new hope for people with cancer every day.
We reminded Congress that federal funding:
- Fuels life-saving discoveries.
- Spurs remarkable scientific advancements.
- Supports the next generation of biomedical researchers.
- Fundamentally changes what a cancer diagnosis means for millions of Americans.
During my meetings with Congressional staff, it was clear that many were surprised to learn that despite a 2% bump in FY26 funding, the NCI is actually losing ‘buying power’ due to much higher inflation rates in the cost of conducting biomedical research.
Progress doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of decades of sustained investment.
The opportunity to come together and share our collective insights with elected officials was truly powerful. I believe ASCO’s voice is helping strengthen the foundation of bipartisan support for federal research funding.
If you have a minute today, I encourage you to send a message to your member of Congress through ASCO’s ACT Network:
Future cancer breakthroughs depend on sustained federal research funding, and we need everyone’s voice to be heard.”
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