WHY NOW: The number of new cancer cases is estimated to surpass two million in 2025 - just under 6,000 per day - and about 618,000 people will lose their lives as a result.

Over 18 million Americans are alive today thanks to previous investments in cancer research. Furthermore, research investments have also resulted in steady declines in cancer mortality over the last 25 years. Cancer-related deaths overall have fallen 34 percent since 1991, which equates to 4.5 million lives saved. Radiation oncology played a major role in these improved health outcomes since half of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy. NCI funding was stagnant in FY25 and sustained increases are needed to keep pace with increasing costs of research.