Commemorating the National Cancer Act, 50 years later

Categories: Spring 2022
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News to celebrate

December 23, 2021, marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the National Cancer Act which increased funding for cancer research and education and improved cancer treatment, benefitting patients today.

The National Cancer Act was signed into law in 1971, “to carry out the national effort against cancer.”  At that time, cancer was the second-leading cause of death in the US, yet government funding had been decreasing for several years.  Congress passed this act with the expectation of curing major forms of cancer within 5 years.  The realization that cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease would soon become apparent to researchers and the population at large.

The National Cancer Act expanded the authority of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by increasing its funding and responsibilities; the number of cancer centers increased from 4 to 71. Breakthroughs across many types of cancer followed with access to cancer treatment and education becoming available to millions of Americans.

Over the last twenty years, Congress and the NIH have allocated nearly 100 billion dollars to the National Cancer Institute.

The National Cancer Act has had a far-reaching impact, extending to the treatment of other diseases.  Some drugs initially used for cancer treatment have been found effective in treating other conditions such as sickle cell disease, HIV, arthritis, and heart disease.

The National Cancer Act has improved the lives of potentially billions of people worldwide. NCI remains committed to shaping the future of cancer care and delivering cutting-edge advances to patients in the future.

Prostate Cancer Foundation Blog. 2021, Dec 8.

 

 

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