CONTACT US
11/18/24
Congress faces difficult decisions on where to allocate resources. That’s why it’s crucial to push for the highest possible increases in federally funded pancreatic cancer research. Together, we must ensure that pancreatic cancer doesn’t get left on the cutting room floor. Your action is needed now more than ever – your members of Congress need to hear from you until a final deal is reached.
There are exciting things happening in pancreatic cancer research, but for those affected to truly benefit, Congress must step up and provide the necessary funding. Supporting scientists and spurring innovation requires robust investment, and federal support is essential to ensuring that this field has the resources to tackle the disease. Let’s make sure pancreatic cancer research gets the funding it deserves so that progress continues at full speed.
Contact your members of Congress now and tell your family and friends to do the same.
9/30/24
Congress adjourned until mid-November, but before recessing, they passed a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown, keeping funding levels flat through December 20. Of course, this delays FY25 budget negotiations until after the election.
When Congress returns in November, we’ll be asking you to contact your members of Congress to advocate for increased cancer research funding in the final budget deal. It’s great timing, because November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
You’ll hear from us then and when you do, make sure to take action by contacting your members of Congress and tell your family and friends to do the same!
9/6/24 – School Congress is Back in Session
As Congress prepares to reconvene next week, there’s a sense of urgency surrounding budget negotiations. With the September 30 fiscal year deadline rapidly approaching, the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. Both the House and Senate have laid their offers on the table, but it’s up to us to ensure that the final budget prioritizes a cause that affected us and millions nationwide – cancer research.
Last year’s budget included a modest increase for cancer research, but it’s not enough. We must be louder than ever, reminding Congress that today’s investments in research fuel tomorrow’s breakthroughs. The link between increased funding and improved survival rates for pancreatic cancer cannot be ignored!
As advocates, it’s our job to keep the pressure on until a deal is done. PanCAN advocates, now is the time to act! Our voices have the power to influence the decisions made in these crucial weeks. We need Congress to understand that increased funding for pancreatic cancer research at the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), directly translates to increased survival rates.
With only weeks left before the fiscal year ends, every day counts. We cannot afford to let this moment slip by without making our priorities clear. Let’s rally together and ensure that when the budget is finalized, it includes the highest possible increases in research funding.
6/3/24 – Keep it up, Advocates
Last month, we celebrated you and the rest of the PanCAN community’s strong start in securing $25 million in dedicated pancreatic cancer research funding. As the federal research funding process for next fiscal year’s budget kicks into high gear, PanCAN joins the broader cancer advocacy community in raising our voices to urge Congress to allocate $51.3 billion to the NIH, including $7.34 billion specifically for the NCI. This push for increased funding underscores our commitment to advancing cancer research and improving outcomes for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
The NCI is the world’s largest source of funding for pancreatic cancer research, complementing the efforts of the DoD. Congress must sustain and expand the support it is currently providing to help those affected by pancreatic get the resources they need to thrive and boost survival rates. These investments are essential for supporting groundbreaking research initiatives that could lead to new treatments and better understanding of pancreatic cancer.
Moreover, this is a pivotal moment for those of you who have members of Congress who serve on the committees proposing the budget for the DoD, including the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program. You have a unique opportunity to represent everyone affected by this terrible disease. Be the voice of the entire pancreatic cancer community and tell your members of Congress right now to support this historic funding!
5/29/24 Update – A Strong Start, Advocates!
The long journey to securing groundbreaking federal funding for pancreatic cancer research is off to a strong start. Thousands of PanCAN advocates like you rallied together to ask their members in both the House and Senate to sign on to support our boldest funding request ever.
Thank you for making your voices heard!
A record 125 bipartisan members of the House signed, including 25 signatures from members who hadn’t signed previously. In the Senate, 29 signed in support.
Congratulations on kicking off our 2025 requests in such a positive way. While we still have more work to do, you should be proud of this accomplishment! We’ll face some challenges along the way, but our united voices will be heard, and progress will continue on Capitol Hill.
We’ll keep sharing updates as things progress and we look forward to celebrating our wins when we cross the finish line.
04/26/24 Update
Take action now!
The Senate has launched a letter gathering support for continued dedicated pancreatic cancer research funding. This significant step forward underscores the bipartisan commitment to advance pancreatic cancer research and highlights the urgency of our cause.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial for you to reach out to your senators and share your stories, emphasizing the importance of this research investment. By raising your voice, and advocating for change, we can ensure that pancreatic cancer research receives the fuel for tomorrow’s progress.
04/04/24 Original Post
The pancreatic cancer community stands at a critical juncture in the fight against pancreatic cancer, and your dedication has been instrumental in propelling us forward. As we embark on the next phase of our advocacy journey, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment to our cause.
Over the past year, your advocacy efforts have yielded remarkable results. Thanks to your voices echoing through the halls of Congress, we secured $15 million in dedicated funding for pancreatic cancer research. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the impact we can make when we join forces.
However, our work is far from over. Today, we are calling on you to stand with us once again as we advocate for our boldest federal funding ask ever.
Our legislative priorities for the upcoming fiscal year are clear: we are pushing for $25 million in dedicated funding for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program at the DoD – a historic funding request – and $51.3 billion for the NIH and $7.934 billion for the NCI. This Pancreatic Cancer Research Program’s focus empowers researchers to explore innovative ideas and address unmet needs in the quest for breakthroughs that could change the trajectory of this disease.
Federal investment in pancreatic cancer research is crucial, yet it is not keeping pace with the opportunities before us. Despite the overwhelming number of excellent research proposals received each year, funding falls short, leaving potentially life-saving science unfunded.
PanCAN is fortunate to have dedicated champions in Congress who lead our cause. Our champions are currently circulating a letter in the House led by Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA), John Joyce (R-PA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lisa McClain (R-MI) and André Carson (D-IN) that supports our $25 million request.
With your support, we can ensure that quality science and scientists receive the resources they need to succeed, that promising discoveries can flourish and that patients everywhere will thrive.
