Why Cancer Research Matters: A Day on Capitol Hill

The therapies we have today are because of cancer research.

Cancer research isn’t just about science—it’s about people. It’s about the patient anxiously waiting for new treatment options, the survivor hoping for a longer future, and the families wanting more time with their loved ones. As an oncology nurse practitioner and founder of Uplift Cancer Advisors, I see firsthand how research changes lives, bringing new treatments, better quality of life, and more hope to those facing a cancer diagnosis.

That’s why I recently traveled to Capitol Hill with advocacy groups LUNGevity and One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) to advocate for continued federal funding for cancer research and prevention programs. Meeting with lawmakers and their staff, I shared what I see every day—how research drives real progress in cancer care.

Why Cancer Research Matters to Every Patient

Cancer research is the reason we have targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and advanced screening tools that detect cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. Not too long ago, a diagnosis like lung cancer often meant limited options and poor outcomes. But today, thanks to research, many patients with advanced cancer are living longer—and living well—with treatments tailored to their specific tumor type.

Yet, despite these advances, there is still so much work to do:

• Cancer remains the #2 cause of death in the U.S., expected to take 618,000 lives this year.

• 1 in 8 research proposals submitted to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) goes unfunded, despite their potential to transform care.

• Nearly 45% of cancer deaths could be prevented with better screening and prevention strategies.

Clinical Trials: Breaking Down Misconceptions

Despite the critical role clinical trials play in advancing cancer care, many patients hesitate to consider them due to common misconceptions.

Here are some key facts:

Misconception: “Clinical trials are a last resort.”

Reality: Clinical trials are not just for patients who have exhausted all options. Many trials test treatments that may be more effective than current standard therapies, including as a first-line treatment.

Misconception: “I might get a placebo instead of real treatment.”

Reality: In cancer clinical trials, patients are never given a placebo alone if an effective standard treatment exists. Most trials compare a new treatment to the best available option to ensure patients receive quality care.

Misconception: “Clinical trials are unsafe.”

Reality: Clinical trials follow strict safety regulations set by the FDA and independent review boards. Patients are closely monitored, and trials are designed to protect participants while testing promising new treatments.

Misconception: “I’ll have to travel far or pay out-of-pocket.”

Reality: Many trials are available at local cancer centers, and some provide financial assistance for travel. Routine care costs are often covered by insurance, and trial sponsors may cover additional expenses.

How Clinical Trials Shape the Future of Cancer Care

Every standard cancer treatment available today—chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy—exists because patients before you participated in clinical trials. Research fuels the breakthroughs that make cancer treatment more effective, less toxic, and more personalized.

Understanding and considering clinical trials isn’t just about accessing new treatment options—it’s about helping shape the future of cancer care for all patients.

Cancer research saves lives, and I will continue to advocate for the funding needed to bring new hope to patients today and for generations to come.