Researchers Aim to Address Cancer Disparities Amid Funding Challenges

Cancer disparities result in unequal health outcomes, with some groups experiencing higher cancer mortality rates than others. Research into these disparities seeks to understand and rectify these gaps, but such efforts face significant obstacles due to diminished federal funding.

Understanding Cancer Disparities

Different populations face varying risks when it comes to cancer. For example, rural Americans have an 18% higher mortality rate from cancer, while Black women are 35% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. These figures come from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), highlighting pressing issues that researchers are working to address.

Challenges Faced by Researchers

Recent changes in federal policies have negatively impacted the work of many cancer disparity researchers. The AACR report shows that 93% of surveyed researchers have been affected by it. A total of 78% indicate difficulties in securing funding, with 59% experiencing disruptions in ongoing projects.

“Many medical trials were stopped in the middle — meaning those patients suddenly didn’t receive the treatments they were getting, because the funding stopped,” says Mariana Stern from USC and chair of the report committee.

The report cites that cuts in funding were exacerbated by an executive order in January 2025, which put a halt to ‘radical’ and ‘wasteful’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) research. As a result, 181 grants from the National Cancer Institute were canceled, affecting many projects focused on disparities.

Consequences and Adjustments

Researchers have faced layoffs and project terminations. At the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, which has received National Cancer Institute funding for 53 years, funding cuts have forced Scarlett Lin Gomez to let go seven employees, with more layoffs expected.

“It’s scary to even think about what that’s going to look like and what the impact is going to be,” Gomez reflects.

Stern and her colleagues have been impacted by these changes, forcing shifts in research focus or language in funding applications to comply with new political directives.

Progress and Ongoing Needs

Despite setbacks, strides have been made in narrowing cancer disparities thanks to dedicated research efforts. Historical data shows a reduction in the gap between cancer death rates in Black and white communities, from 34% higher in the 1990s to 9% today.

“If we don’t continue to support the research and clinical care, all progress we’ve made over the last 30-plus years — and all the progress to come — is at risk,” says Dr. Robert Winn.

The report underscores the significance of addressing disparities, noting that veterans and rural Americans still face higher risks. The disparities’ economic burden on American society is estimated at $451 billion annually, highlighting the urgent need for continued research.

Building Community Partnerships

Programs such as those led by Winn emphasize collaboration with communities, like the Chickahominy Tribe, to address cancer burdens and facilitate access to care. Such partnerships highlight the necessity of culturally tailored initiatives.

“We were building trust because we were creating access to care,” Winn says.

Future Implications

The reduction in research funding raises concerns about the future of academic and scientific fields. Stern observes hesitancy among students to pursue academia, fearing instability in research opportunities.

“Everyone deserves health care,” asserts Melanie Stewart, a cancer survivor.