Support Federal Funding for Cancer Research!

BACKGROUND:

• Over the past decade, our nation’s investment in NIH has often fallen short of what is needed to meet our research needs.  Since 2003, Congressional appropriations for our nation’s greatest research institution have stagnated and failed to keep pace with inflation.  We can already see the wide-ranging impact this has had, with dramatically lower grant application success rates and less money available for new researchers seeking their first grant. 
• This is happening at the same time that other countries are greatly increasing their investments in biomedical research, thereby creating an innovation deficit for the United States.
• Research funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has played a role in every major advance related to cancer prevention, detection and treatment, as well as contributing to breakthroughs for many other diseases.
• ASCO's Advance of the Year in 2015 is the transformation of treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL is the most common adult leukemia, and until the past year, many older patients were without treatment options, because existing therapies caused severe, even life-threatening, adverse effects for those who had other major health problems. But 2014 brought stunning new possibilities with the introduction of four new drugs that are both highly effective and far easier on patients. These therapies have filled a major unmet need for those with newly diagnosed or resistant disease, making treatment—and remission—possible for more patients than ever. For more, check out ASCO’s 2015 Clinical Cancer Advances Report.
• In addition to bettering the lives of millions, NIH funding supports over 400,000 non-federal scientists and technical personnel at 2,500 research universities and facilities nationwide.  Their work drives the demand for medical supplies and research equipment.  NIH funding ripples far beyond its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, to benefit manufacturers and suppliers in every state in America.

CURRENT STATUS:

• We recognize that Congress is facing difficult budget decisions, but reductions in funding for the NIH and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will lead to the decrease of purchasing power and slow advances in cancer prevention and treatment. ASCO is calling on Congress to provide a strong investment of at least $32 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) including $5.32 billion for the NCI in Fiscal Year 2016 to continue progress towards new treatments for cancer.
• Representatives David McKinley (R-WV), Andre Carson (D-IN), Susan Davis (D-CA), and Peter King (R-NY) are circulating a Dear Colleague letter to encourage Members to sign on to a letter showing their support for at least $32 billion in funding for the NIH in FY 2016. The deadline for Members to join the effort is March 20^th, 2015.

ALERT CONGRESS TODAY:

• Make sure your Representative knows current funding levels for the NCI are insufficient to ensure that the clinical cancer research infrastructure is protected, young investigators are able to join the field, and progress continues toward cures.
• Ask them to show their support for the nation’s entire biomedical research infrastructure by signing on to the McKinley/Carson/Davis/King letter requesting at least $32 billion for the National Institutes of Health.

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