AICR
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) strongly opposes the cuts to research and other programs that are working to help millions of Americans prevent and survive cancer. President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget, released to the public this week, slashes numerous programs that will affect Americans both diagnosed with cancer and survivors with long-term side effects or still on treatment.
Among the alarming cuts to funding are:
– The National Institutes of Health would be slashed by almost 6 billion dollars. The NIH is the world’s leading biomedical research facility and supports scientists from institutions across the country. Studies conducted by these scientists are part of AICR’s global analysis of the research on cancer prevention. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is part of the National Institutes of Health.
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be cut by $1.3 billion (17 percent). The CDC aims to promote health and prevention programs.
– The CDC’s chronic disease prevention programs specifically, such as those for diabetes and obesity, would be cut by $222 million.
Research now shows that obesity is a leading cause of cancer. Approximately one of three US adults is obese and close to one in 5 children faces this disease, placing them at risk of becoming overweight adults and at higher disease risk. Preventing obesity and helping individuals diagnosed with obesity is a key step to lowering cancer risk and improving health.
– U.S. Department of Agriculture is set for a 21 percent cut. The USDA administers many programs, including farming support, helping food aid for the poor and agricultural research. It is home to the phytonutrient research on flavonoid and other healthful compounds of plant foods, an important area of study for diet and cancer risk.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, leading to one of every four deaths. Research in the field of cancer prevention and survivorship has led to pivotal findings about factors that drive and slow the development of this disease. This research has led to AICR and our global network seeing the links between food, nutrition, alcohol, weight management, physical activity and cancer risk. This research leads to recommendations that provide critical guidance for health professionals and individuals on healthy lifestyle choices for cancer prevention and survivorship.
AICR urges that members of the public and congress take action to restore and increase funding for vital programs that affects Americans cancer risk and overall health. You can find your representative here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
