Council Urges Federal Government to Maintain Funding for Life-Saving Cancer Research

The Boston City Council adopted a resolution urging the federal government to maintain cancer research funding through the NIH and NCI. Proposed cuts could result in a $21 billion reduction to NIH funding, threatening vital research and advancements in cancer treatment. Councilors Santana and Durkan underscored Boston's leadership in medical research, particularly through institutions like Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, which depends heavily on NIH support. The potential funding reductions could also have dire economic consequences for Boston, where healthcare represents the largest sector. Local officials noted that communities already disproportionately affected by cancer would suffer the most from these cuts.

Research indicates higher cancer rates in certain Boston neighborhoods and among groups such as Black residents and firefighters. The resolution calls for the federal government to reinstate funding, protect cancer research jobs, and support critical clinical trials. The Council has sent the resolution to the Massachusetts congressional delegation in a bid to prevent the proposed cuts.