From the lab to the doctor's office to the patient. That is the path for nearly all life-saving cancer screenings and treatments.
Oftentimes, that work in the lab begins with a grant funded by the federal government, the largest funder of cancer research and programs in the country.
Who decides how much money the government invests in cancer research and programs?
Through its budget and appropriations process, Congress determines how much money it will spend each year and which federal agencies and programs will receive that money. While there are many agencies and departments involved in cancer research and programs, the three listed below are the most visible and most active in the area of cancer:
Each year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) works hard to ensure that the agencies overseeing cancer research and programs receive the money they need to continue the strong battle against this terrible disease.
The process for obtaining as much funding as possible includes many steps in the legislative process. Click here to see a diagram of the budget and appropriations process.
Learn more about this issue by visiting our Fact Sheets and FAQ's. Also, look for action alerts throughout the year asking you to email or call your Members of Congress as we attempt to do all we can to get the most possible funding for cancer research and programs.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.