How Trump’s 26.2% Health Department Budget Cut Threatens the Fight Against Cancer: What It Means for Patients and Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 2, 2025, the president announced a proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, suggesting a significant cut of 26.2% to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This includes a staggering 37% reduction to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the elimination of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the CDC.

Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), shared her concerns:

“These proposed cuts to the NIH budget threaten funding for crucial research and public health programs. For decades, federal investment has driven progress in cancer prevention and treatment. This trend reflects in remarkable survival rates, with over 18 million cancer survivors currently in the U.S. However, reverting to funding levels from 20 years ago jeopardizes our fight against cancer, with over 2 million Americans expected to be diagnosed this year alone.”

The Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) at the CDC plays a vital role in preventing cancer, providing over 16.3 million screening exams through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This initiative has helped countless individuals access life-saving screenings. Funds for cancer registries—which monitor progress against cancer and inform policy—are also at risk. Without these resources, progress may stall, complicating efforts to combat rising cancer rates.

Recent data suggests that cancer is projected to kill more than 618,000 Americans this year, underscoring the urgency of continued support for cancer research. The cuts outlined in the budget could reverse years of improvements in cancer care and prevention.

Lacasse urges a united response: “It’s essential for Congress to come together, beyond party lines, to protect and enhance funding for vital cancer initiatives. This isn’t just a political issue; cancer affects everyone. We must not allow these proposed cuts to prolong suffering.”

For more information on this proposal and its implications, you can read the press release from ACS CAN, originally published on May 2, 2025.

As debates on health funding continue, it’s essential to recognize how these decisions will impact individuals and families grappling with cancer. The future of public health could hinge on how we respond today.

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