A report released by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) on July 15, 2026, found that federal funding changes and grant terminations have affected 93% of cancer disparity researchers. The report, which surveyed 122 scientists and students, stated that 78% of respondents have been unable to apply for new funding, while 59% reported that ongoing research projects were disrupted.
The disruption follows a January 2025 executive order aimed at ending funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to data published in JAMA Oncology, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) canceled 181 grants totaling more than $317 million during the first half of 2025. While some grants were later restored following court challenges, data from the Department of Health and Human Services indicates that the awarding of new grants has slowed compared to previous years.
Scientists interviewed in the report expressed concern that the funding reductions will halt progress in understanding why certain populations experience higher cancer mortality rates. The AACR noted that Black women are 35% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, and rural Americans face an 18% higher overall cancer death rate.
In a statement, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) said the NCI continues to view cancer disparity research as a priority. The agency stated that advancements in this field provide "knowledge benefiting all patients across the cancer continuum." Representatives from the Association of American Medical Colleges characterized the scale of the grant terminations as unprecedented and attributed the shifts to the priorities of the current administration.