ISSUE 8: SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 | | |
The Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) connects over 100 academic cancer centers through collaboration and communication. There is strength in numbers, and we are better together.
Through the Defending Cancer Research Digest, AACI is keeping members informed and educating the public on the tangible benefits of research funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute.
Please read through these stories and share them widely on social media, through your institutions' communication channels, and in your communities. And continue to send us stories and videos from your cancer centers and local media, especially those featuring patients.
Follow AACI on social media and tag us in your posts. Please our hashtags, #DefendingCancerResearch and #CancerResearchSavesLives to help amplify our messages.
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Cancer Advocates Urge Congress to Extend Funding and Pass Detection Bill
WPBN/WGTU
With a government funding deadline looming, more than 750 cancer patients, survivors, and advocates gathered on Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to extend cancer funding.
Robin Lawless, who traveled from Sault Ste. Marie, joined the group as the Michigan lead for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The group is advocating to maintain funding for life-saving cancer research and prevention programs.
Watch Video
| | DEFENDING CANCER RESEARCH DIGEST | | Cole Peters, a cancer researcher in UCLA's pediatrics department, shares his work with community members. | | |
UCLA Researchers Host Science Fair to Showcase Work Suspended by the Trump Administration
LAist
Dozens of researchers hosted a science fair at UCLA aimed at showcasing the work that’s been suspended by the Trump administration. … UAW 4811—the union that represents student workers, postdocs and academic researchers across the UC system—hosted Thursday’s event, the second such science fair this week in response to the federal cuts. The event was open to the public, geared at helping community members and state legislators learn about what’s at stake. Read More
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Opinion: As Health Care Costs Rise, Coloradans Battling Cancer Will Endure Even More Financial Hardship
Colorado Sun
The author, Cathy J. Bradley, PhD, is the dean of the Colorado School of Public Health and the deputy director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers pay the bulk of the cost for new cancer drugs. With looming cuts to federal and Colorado’s health care infrastructure, these payers will make choices between paying for expensive drugs or providing patients coverage for other health care needs. Fewer Coloradans may be covered, and fewer health care services will be provided. Read More
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Moffitt Cancer Center Leaders Highlight Importance of Cancer Research in D.C.
Moffitt Cancer Center
Leaders and researchers with Moffitt Cancer Center held face-to-face meetings with several senators and representatives in the nation’s capital on September 16. The visit was part of a continuing effort to nurture the important relationship between the cancer center and the elected officials who ensure the mission of preventing and curing cancer remains obtainable through proper funding. Read More
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Detroit Chamber Rallies Business Groups to Defend Federal Research Grants on Capitol Hill
The Detroit News
The Detroit Regional Chamber helped organize a coalition of local chambers of commerce around the country that are descending on Capitol Hill to urge the release of frozen federal research dollars ― contracts funded by Congress and promised to universities but held up by the Trump administration. Read More
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Rob Winn: Driving Forward Research, Strengthening Care, Building Community
OncoDaily
Over the past year, our team at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has made remarkable strides, driving forward research discoveries, strengthening clinical care, and building deeper community partnerships. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our scientists, clinicians, staff, and community collaborators who are united in transforming cancer outcomes.
More important than who we are today is who we aspire to become. At Massey, we advocate not only for science, but for the people and communities who matter most. Read More
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AACI congratulates Anthony Letai, MD, PhD, on his confirmation this week as the 18th director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Dr. Letai previously served as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and as a medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His research focuses on the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade death, and on the application of that knowledge to the selective killing of cancer cells.
Following his swearing-in ceremony, Dr. Letai affirmed his commitment "to identify cancer’s root causes, predictive biomarkers, and most effective treatments."
As a professional organization representing over 100 leading academic cancer centers in the U.S. and Canada —including the 73 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers—AACI enjoys a longstanding relationship with the NIH and the NCI. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Letai to advance our mutual goals and accelerate progress against cancer. Read the Full Statement
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Courtney Bugler, ZERO Prostate Cancer
Anjee Davis, MPPA, Fight Colorectal Cancer
Andrea Ferris, LUNGevity Foundation
Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Jennifer W. Pegher, MA, MBA, Association of American Cancer Institutes
Victoria Wolodzko Smart, Susan G. Komen
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Cancer Research Isn't a Budget Line Item. It's a Lifeline.
SPECIAL EDITION | September 2025
As the leaders of national organizations representing patients impacted by the five major cancers responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.—breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and prostate—and our nation's cancer centers, we know that sustained, robust federal support is crucial to saving lives. ...
We urge Congress to reject these dangerous cuts and reaffirm America’s commitment to conquering cancer. For the millions of Americans living with, at risk for, or newly diagnosed with cancer, we must keep moving forward. Lives depend on it. Read More
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About AACI
The Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) represents over 100 premier academic and freestanding cancer centers in the United States and Canada. AACI is accelerating progress against cancer by enhancing the impact of academic cancer centers and promoting cancer health equity.
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PO Box 7317
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-647-6111
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