"When is
cancer political?"
–Natalie Phelps, Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer
Right now, politicians are deciding whether to cut up to 37% of cancer research funding and resources that could save the life of you or your loved one.
We fight to restore funding for lifesaving cancer research and protect future breakthroughs by elevating the voices of cancer. We're fighting back. Join us.
Natalie Phelps
Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer
“I’m really just out of options. There’s very limited treatments approved for colorectal cancer… I have nothing to lose at this point. I’m pleading for my life. I’m begging for help.”
Mike Etchamendy
Chordoma Cancer Survivor
"They call it the House of Hope, people come from all over the world to learn there. You cut funding there, you’re going to cut major research on cancer."
Chris Biggar
Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Survivor
“It’s a scary, daunting thought that research like that—all it’s waiting for is money. That’s why it’s such a burning fire inside me, everyone deserves the outcome I got."
For us, cancer research is personal.
When we unite our voices, we protect the research that saves lives. This is an urgent moment that demands that all of us impacted by cancer—patients, friends, and family—come together and align to collaborate and return America to its leading role in cancer research. Help us tell these stories.
Chris Biggar
Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Survivor
“It’s a scary, daunting thought that research like that—all it’s waiting for is money. That’s why it’s such a burning fire inside me, everyone deserves the outcome I got."
Mike Etchamendy
Chordoma Cancer Survivor
"They call it the House of Hope, people come from all over the world to learn there. You cut funding there, you’re going to cut major research on cancer."
The bottom line
80%
Of Americans say they or someone close to them has faced a cancer diagnosis.
19 Million
Life years gained since 1980 because of NCI clinical funded trials.
43%
Reduced breast cancer deaths across three decades of instrumental cancer research.
38.9%
Of men and women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the main federal agency that funds cancer research. NCI is facing new rules and budget pressures from Washington. As a result, fewer cancer research projects will get money this year than ever before. This means fewer new studies, fewer clinical trials, and slower progress toward cures.
What we're asking Congress to do
01
Restore cancer research funding in 2026 so lifesaving work continues.
02
Make sure essential cancer trials keep running without interruption.
03
Keep science decisions in the hands of experts, not politicians.
04
Support early-career researchers so they don’t leave the field.
How you can help
What we’re asking Congress to do
Share your story.
Your experience with cancer as a patient, survivor, caregiver, or loved one is powerful. Politicians need to hear how research funding affects real families.
"When I told my congressman about my daughter's leukemia survival, he changed his vote on the NIH budget."
- Parent advocate
Join our advocacy.
We provide the tools, talking points, and opportunities to advocate effectively for cancer research funding. No experience required—just your story.
"I never thought I could influence policy until I realized my survival was the best argument."
- Cancer survivor
Make a difference.
Your story becomes part of a powerful collective voice that has successfully protected and increased cancer research funding for decades.
Every person who shares their story makes it harder for politicians to cut cancer research."
- Policy expert
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We’re here to help share your story
Patient Action for Cancer Research was founded to mobilize cancer patients, survivors, family, and friends to work together to ensure America's investments in cancer research continue. We are committed to working in partnership with the cancer patients and the research community to champion policies that accelerate scientific progress and ensure equitable access to cures.