World’s premier cancer institute faces crippling cuts and chaos – CNN

Report on the Impact of Funding Cuts at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a pivotal federal research institution dedicated to cancer research and treatment, is currently experiencing significant disruptions due to recent administrative decisions. These changes threaten to undermine decades of progress in cancer research and care, with broad implications for public health and sustainable development.

Background and Current Challenges

1. Funding Reductions and Staff Exodus: The Trump administration’s policies have led to unprecedented upheaval at NCI, including the termination of research grants nationwide, staff layoffs, and an exodus of clinicians and scientists. This has resulted in delays in research, shortages of essential supplies, and reduced capacity to maintain biological specimens critical for cancer studies.
2. Impact on Cancer Research and Mortality: Despite a 34% reduction in cancer mortality in the U.S. since 1991, largely attributed to enhanced government investment in cancer science, recent funding cuts threaten to slow this progress. Nearly 2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer annually, and it remains the second leading cause of death in the country.
3. Communication and Information Dissemination: Mass layoffs in NCI’s communications office have led to outdated information on cancer treatments being available to patients and healthcare providers, undermining effective cancer care and public awareness.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The challenges faced by NCI directly affect several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The reduction in funding and resources compromises efforts to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, including cancer, and to promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Cuts to training programs for new oncologists and researchers hinder the development of skilled health professionals necessary for sustained cancer care and research.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Termination of grants focused on health disparities among racial minorities and LGBTQ+ populations threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Curtailment of innovative research funding limits breakthroughs in cancer treatment and immunotherapy, slowing scientific advancement.

Years of Bipartisan Support and Current Concerns

• NCI has historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support, with funding increasing from $2 billion in 1993 to $7.22 billion in 2025, enabling significant scientific breakthroughs.
• Patients and advocates emphasize the importance of NCI’s work, noting that funding cuts will severely impact ongoing research and clinical trials.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) maintains that the restructuring is a necessary transformation aimed at focusing on high-impact, evidence-based research free from ideological bias.

Issues Surrounding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)

1. Research funding addressing health disparities among minority populations has been cut or flagged, raising concerns about the commitment to DEIA principles.
2. Programs linking cancer centers with minority-serving institutions, which have trained thousands of scientists and addressed disparities in cancer care, face funding termination.
3. Experts highlight that equitable research is essential to address accelerated aging and cancer outcomes in racial and ethnic minorities, aligning with SDG 10.

Silencing of Science Communication

• Mass layoffs in NCI’s communications office have resulted in outdated cancer treatment information being disseminated, affecting patients and healthcare providers.
• Effective communication is critical to ensure that scientific advances translate into improved health outcomes, supporting SDG 3.

Budgetary Concerns and Future Outlook

1. The White House has proposed a nearly 40% budget cut for NCI for fiscal year 2026, reducing funding to $4.53 billion.
2. Such cuts risk suspending new grants, closing research labs, and undermining clinical research, potentially reversing gains in cancer treatment and innovation.
3. Experts warn that reduced funding will prioritize safe, incremental research over transformative, game-changing science.

Conclusion

The current funding cuts and administrative changes at the National Cancer Institute pose significant risks to ongoing cancer research, clinical care, and efforts to reduce health disparities. These developments threaten progress toward multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, education, equality, and innovation. Sustained investment and commitment to inclusive, evidence-based research are essential to continue advancing cancer treatment and improving outcomes for all populations.

References

• American Cancer Society: Cancer Mortality Statistics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Leading Causes of Death
• National Cancer Institute: Research and Training Programs
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on cancer research, treatment, and mortality, which directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
   • Issues of funding cuts, research disruption, and health disparities are central to this goal.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ populations, highlighting inequalities in cancer diagnosis and mortality.
   • Funding cuts to programs aimed at reducing these disparities are mentioned.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article mentions training of new oncologists and scientists, including programs linking minority-serving institutions with cancer centers, which relates to inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Issues of transparency, communication, and political interference in scientific research and public health communication are implied, relating to building effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: By 2030, increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
   • 3.b.1: Proportion of the population with access to affordable medicines and vaccines on a sustainable basis.
   • The article mentions cancer mortality rates falling by 34% since 1991 and the number of cancer survivors (~18 million), which are relevant data points for monitoring progress.
2. SDG 10 Indicators
   • 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
   • Implied indicators include disparities in cancer diagnosis and mortality rates among racial and ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ populations.
3. SDG 4 Indicators
   • 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
   • Number of scientists trained through cancer partnerships and minority-serving programs as mentioned in the article.
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
   • 16.10.2: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights advocates in the previous 12 months.
   • The article implies lack of transparency and restricted communication, which could be monitored through such indicators.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cnn.com