UPDATED: Executive Actions Cause Confusion and Concern for Potential Impact on Cancer Research

The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), reacting to to recent executive actions:

"We are aware there is confusion and concern about whether recent executive actions could have immediate or long-term implications on cancer research.

“Cancer research has long enjoyed bipartisan support, and the federal government is the largest public funder of cancer research through the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute. Robust and sustained research funding needs to be preserved and continued, so that everyone has a fair chance to detect, treat and survive cancer.

“The American Cancer Society’s recently released Cancer Facts and Figures report found cancer mortality has decreased by 34% since it peaked in 1991, driven by cancer research – research that has saved the lives of millions of people with groundbreaking innovation in prevention, early detection and treatment. However, areas of concern persist, including rising cancer incidence in women and younger adults, elevating the urgency for cancer research to investigate causes of these changes and identify solutions.

“Cancer affects everyone, and patients do not have the luxury of waiting to access lifesaving innovative treatments, and any delays – days or weeks – can have health altering consequences for cancer patients.

“ACS CAN will continue to closely monitor the impact of these actions on cancer research, innovation and access to clinical trials.”