This May, during National Cancer Research Month, we are calling on Congress to reaffirm America’s bipartisan commitment to cancer research and biomedical innovation.

For decades, bipartisan investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has fueled lifesaving progress—driving down cancer death rates, improving treatments, and giving hope to millions. Cancer research saves lives.

But that progress is now in jeopardy.

A leaked budget proposal outlines devastating cuts of more than 40 percent to NIH and NCI. These cuts would eliminate entire research programs, halt critical cancer studies, and dismantle the infrastructure that makes lifesaving discovery possible. Combined with recent administrative actions, including unprecedented staffing reductions, abrupt grant cancellations, and growing concerns about political influence on research priorities, these proposals further destabilize the cancer research enterprise.

Cancer is not partisan. It is deeply personal, and it touches every family, every community, and every congressional district. This shared burden is why the cancer research community is speaking with one voice and urging Congress to protect the bipartisan progress that has saved millions of lives by fully funding NIH and NCI.

We are calling on Congress to provide at least $51.3 billion for NIH and $7.934 billion for NCI in FY 2026, consistent with longstanding bipartisan recommendations.

Personal outreach, especially phone calls, is one of the most impactful ways to engage with members of Congress and their staff. Thoughtful, respectful conversations help illustrate the profound impact of cancer research and reinforce why sustained bipartisan investment in NIH and NCI is a smart, strategic priority for the nation. Outreach to Republican members of Congress, who currently hold the majority in both chambers, is especially important at this time.

Call your lawmakers. A personal phone call makes the greatest impact. Urge your Senators and Representative to fully fund NIH and NCI and remind them that cancer research is a bipartisan priority that saves lives in every community. Reach out to both their Washington and district offices to make your voice heard.

Share your story. Whether cancer research helped save your life, supported someone you love, or powers the work you do every day, your voice shows why continued investment is essential for the patients and families behind every breakthrough.

Engage your network. Share this message with your colleagues, friends, and communities. The future of cancer research depends on more than one voice. Our collective strength is what protects progress, saves lives, and keeps science above politics.

In this moment of uncertainty, your continued advocacy can help protect what has taken decades of bipartisan commitment to build and ensure continued breakthroughs for patients.