Sharp Decline in Cancer Research Funding
In the opening quarter of 2025, cancer research funding in the United States fell by 31 percent compared to the same period the previous year. This significant reduction, detailed in a recent Senate report, signals a troubling trend in federal support for medical science. The report accuses the administration of waging a “war on science,” highlighting the impact on vital health programs and research initiatives.
The investigation, initiated by Senator Bernie Sanders, reveals that over $13.5 billion in health funding had been cut by April, including the cancellation of 1,660 grants and the dismissal of thousands of scientific staff. Such drastic measures have left many researchers struggling to continue their work amid shrinking resources.
Impact on National Institutes and Grants
Among the most affected institutions is the National Cancer Institute, which saw its funding drop by over $300 million from January to March compared to 2024. This brought grant funding, adjusted for inflation, to its lowest point in more than ten years. Meanwhile, its parent organization, the National Institutes of Health, experienced a $2.7 billion reduction in funding.
Senator Sanders, the senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, condemned the cuts. “Since January, Trump has launched an unprecedented, illegal and outrageous attack on science and scientists,” he stated. “Trump is not only denying scientific truth but actively seeking to undermine it.”
Administration’s Response and Health Department Changes
The Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., responded sharply to the allegations. It dismissed the “war on science” claim as politically motivated and unfair to the dedicated public health workers committed to serving the American people.
HHS emphasized its efforts to streamline programs, eliminate redundancies, and prioritize “gold standard science” despite the budget cuts. However, this leadership has also sparked controversy due to Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism and recent hires.
Disarray Across Health Agencies
The report paints a picture of widespread turmoil within federal health agencies. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 175 public health datasets were removed, leaving doctors without reliable guidance on patient care. One physician lamented this gap in resources and information.
A colorectal cancer patient undergoing experimental T-cell therapy at the NIH shared how the staff reductions delayed her treatment. “The reality is that by reducing money and staff, the NIH will not be able to produce my treatment — and it might cost me my life,” she told Senate staff.
Researchers at the NIH Clinical Center described the situation as “complete chaos” after entire laboratories were shut down. “This administration has a lot of blood on their hands,” one scientist said. “We just want to take care of people.”
Risks Amid Disease Outbreaks and Vaccine Misinformation
The report also warns of the dangers posed by misinformation during a measles outbreak affecting over 1,000 people and causing three deaths. Over 40 grants focused on studying vaccine hesitancy have been canceled, potentially worsening public health responses.
Meanwhile, controversial moves continue as Kennedy hired David Geier, a figure known for promoting vaccine conspiracy theories and previously sanctioned for unlicensed medical practices. Geier is now tasked with investigating disproven links between vaccines and autism, a connection refuted by numerous scientific studies.
Future Budget and Health Initiatives
Despite proposing a 26 percent cut to the HHS budget for the next fiscal year, the administration has allocated $500 million to the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. This program focuses on nutrition, physical activity, and reducing “over-reliance on medication,” reflecting a shift in health priorities.
These developments highlight a complex and contentious landscape for cancer research funding and public health in the United States. For more detailed updates, visit Filipinokami.com.