Washington, D.C.—Today Congress announced a bipartisan 2017 budget deal that contains a $2 billion increase in medical research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $475 million more for the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The budget also maintains funding for cancer control programs at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), including the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program - and protects tobacco control measures at the Office on Smoking and Health (OSH).
A statement from Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:
“Congress reached a deal on the 2017 budget that reflects a broad, bipartisan commitment to reducing cancer-related death and suffering in our country through increased research funding and continued funding for critical early detection and prevention programs.
“The $2 billion NIH increase, including $475 million for the National Cancer Institute that allocates $175 million above the commitment to National Cancer Moonshot, will enable our nation to capitalize on our research investment and accelerate the pace of progress against a disease that is projected to kill more than 600,000 Americans this year. Consistent and continual funding increases for the NIH are essential to ensuring researchers can keep innovating and developing new potentially life-saving diagnostic tests, treatments and therapies.
“In addition, Congress also protected funding for cancer prevention and screening programs at the Centers for Disease Control. These programs, which help screen underinsured and underserved populations for colon and breast cancer, are critical to ensuring all Americans can access necessary cancer prevention and detection services.
“While research and early detection are essential to reducing cancer incidence and death, a comprehensive approach also requires effectively tackling the number one preventable cause of cancer—tobacco use. The Office of Smoking and Health (OSH) leads federal efforts to reduce tobacco-related death and disease by funding activities that help prevent youth from starting to use tobacco and help adult tobacco users quit. Congress’ careful consideration to mostly maintain current funding for OSH’s FY17 budget will enable the office to continue carrying out its critical work. And the Food and Drug Administration will continue to be able to use its tobacco regulatory authority over the full range of tobacco products granted under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
“The proposed 2017 budget deal overall provides a strong starting point for maintaining momentum against cancer through research, prevention and early detection. On behalf of all those affected by cancer, ACS CAN applauds Congress for prioritizing a disease that is expected to be diagnosed in nearly 1.7 million Americans this year and urges lawmakers to maintain this sense of urgency when crafting the FY 2018 budget.”
