President Joe Biden announced a new $150 million research grant initiative as part of the “Cancer Moonshot” program, with the goal of reducing cancer fatalities drastically in the United States. Biden, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race last month, has made promoting the “Cancer Moonshot” program a top priority for his remaining time in office. The grants will support eight research teams from institutions like Tulane, Dartmouth College, Johns Hopkins University, Rice University, and others, with a focus on improving the surgical removal of tumors for cancer patients.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S., with the American Cancer Society predicting 2 million new cases and over 600,000 deaths this year. Despite these statistics, Biden remains optimistic about his ambitious goal of reducing cancer deaths by 50 percent over the next 25 years. The American Cancer Society believes this goal is achievable with sustained investment and innovation. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, praised the new initiative, stating that if current innovations are widely accessible, cancer mortality rates could be reduced by 20 to 30 percent.
The Biden administration’s renewed efforts for the “Cancer Moonshot” program also include a focus on making cancer care more accessible, such as expanding Medicare coverage for essential screenings. Biden’s personal connection to the cause, as both he and the first lady Jill Biden have faced their cancer battles, has driven his dedication to this initiative. His son, Beau Biden, died from brain cancer in 2015. The president’s efforts have received widespread praise, with experts noting the success in rallying support across the public and private sectors.
Biden will be accompanied by first lady Jill Biden on a tour of medical facilities in New Orleans, where he will officially announce the $150 million in grants awarded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) at Tulane University. This announcement comes as part of the ongoing efforts to advance cancer treatment and research in the United States. The grants will support research teams from various institutions aiming to improve cancer treatment methods, particularly in the surgical removal of tumors for patients.
The “Cancer Moonshot” program was initially launched under the Obama administration in 2016, and Biden has taken up the mantle to continue its efforts. The program aims to accelerate progress in cancer research and treatment, ultimately reducing cancer fatalities in the country. With ongoing advancements in medical technology and treatment options, there is hope that the ambitious goal of significantly reducing cancer deaths in the U.S. can be achieved. Biden’s commitment to this cause, driven by personal experiences and a desire to make a meaningful impact, has garnered support and recognition from experts and organizations in the field of cancer research and advocacy.
