�
�
�
�
�
�
�
Decline in Research Projects and Innovation. Reduced direct funding results in fewer approved research proposals, limiting the initiation of new cancer studies. This decline hampers scientific discovery and delays the development of novel treatments and diagnostic tools. Research into rare and understudied cancers, especially those affecting minority populations, may suffer disproportionately.
Negative Impact on Early‐Career Researchers. Early‐career scientists depend on NCI grants to establish their research trajectories. Diminished funding increases competition for limited grants, making it challenging for emerging researchers to secure necessary support. This scenario threatens the influx of new talent( and new ideas) into the cancer research field.
Slower Development of New Cancer Treatments. The development and testing of new cancer therapies rely on robust funding. Budget cuts can delay drug development and clinical trials, limiting patient access to cutting‐edge treatments. For patients with cancers unresponsive to existing therapies, such delays can be particularly detrimental.
Impact on Pharmaceutical Industry Development. The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on NCI‐funded basic research to identify new drug targets and biomarkers. Reduced NCI funding would limit the discovery pipeline, delaying partnerships between academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. This slowdown affects the speed at which new therapies are brought to market and increases the costs associated with drug development. According to the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, the average cost to develop a new drug is approximately $ 2.6 billion 2. Without NCI‐backed innovations, pharmaceutical companies face higher risks and fewer opportunities for breakthrough therapies.
Worsening Disparities in Cancer Research and Treatment. Certain cancers, particularly those prevalent in minority and underserved communities, already receive less research attention. Funding reductions can exacerbate these disparities, resulting in fewer treatment options and poorer outcomes for affected populations. For example, African American men have the highest prostate cancer incidence rates in the U. S. and also have the highest prostate cancer mortality rates 3. Yet, this cancer is underfunded when compared to more common cancers. Addressing health inequities requires sustained investment, which is jeopardized by budget constraints.
Decreased Access to Clinical Trials. Clinical trials are essential for evaluating new treatments and providing patients with access to experimental therapies. A reduction in funded research projects leads to fewer clinical trials, thereby limiting patient options and slowing the advancement of effective cancer treatments.
Reduced Investment in Cancer Prevention and Public Awareness Programs. NCI funding supports programs focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and public education. Budget cuts can curtail these initiatives, leading to decreased public awareness, lower screening rates, and an increase in preventable cancer cases. This not only affects public health but also escalates long‐term healthcare costs.
�
Shrinking Workforce and Research Capacity. Research institutions depend on NCI funding to maintain their workforce and operational capabilities. Financial constraints may force these institutions to downsize staff, reduce research activities, and limit collaborations, collectively slowing the progress of cancer research.
Impact On Health Equity And Diversity In Clinical Trials