PHILADELPHIA – Today, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) released the 15th edition of its annual Cancer Progress Report . A cornerstone of the AACR’s educational and advocacy efforts, this comprehensive report provides the latest statistics on cancer incidence, mortality, and survivorship and highlights how federal investments in basic, translational, and clinical cancer research and cancer-related population sciences have led to impressive scientific advances that are improving health and saving lives.
The AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025 features a special section that explains how advances in understanding blood cancers over the past decade have contributed to the development of groundbreaking treatments for not only hematologic malignancies, but also solid tumors and diseases other than cancer. Throughout the report, personal stories of patients who have benefited from recent scientific breakthroughs help to illustrate the value and real-world impact of cancer research. The report further explores how the current instability at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has had an adverse effect on cancer patients and their loved ones while also threatening future progress against cancer.
This year’s report closes with a strong, timely call to action that urges policymakers to stand up in support of NIH, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and to provide a robust funding increase for cancer research in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
“As this report illustrates, progress against cancer requires a highly collaborative process,” said AACR President Lillian L. Siu, MD, FAACR. “The exchange of knowledge among basic, translational, and clinical researchers, as well as population scientists, is vital to our understanding of the complexity of cancer and of improving outcomes for patients. From bench to bedside and back to the bench, technological innovations are fueling rapid advances to detect cancer earlier and develop more precise treatments that have the potential to both extend life and preserve its quality. If we continue to work together—not just scientists and clinicians, but also patients, advocates, funders, and policymakers—we can ensure that this momentum continues and that every discovery brings us closer to a world where fewer people develop cancer, more people are cured, and all patients live longer, healthier lives.”
CANCER RESEARCH IS IMPROVING, EXTENDING, AND SAVING LIVES
In partnership with NIH and other federal health agencies, the medical research community continues to make inroads against cancer, helping patients to live longer and better lives after diagnosis. According to the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025 :
REMARKABLE PROGRESS AGAINST BLOOD CANCERS
Research-driven progress against blood cancers, especially over the last 10 years, has significantly decreased blood cancer-related deaths, improved survival rates, and helped survivors live fuller lives. As discussed in a special section of this year’s Cancer Progress Report :
A fourth therapeutic, tafasitamab-cxix (Monjuvi), received expanded approval for treatment of follicular lymphoma.
EVEN WITH MAJOR ADVANCES, CANCER REMAINS A THREAT
Despite tremendous progress in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment in recent years, cancer continues to afflict millions of Americans. According to the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025 :
CONGRESS MUST PROTECT MEDICAL RESEARCH FOR THE HEALTH OF THE NATION
As outlined in this report, the work of dedicated researchers from across the spectrum of cancer research over the past several decades has dramatically improved outcomes for many patients. Much of this progress has been powered by support from NIH, the “crown jewel” of American science. For example:
This investment not only drives medical breakthroughs but also fuels the American economy. In 2024:
Robust, dependable federal support for research has positioned the U.S. at the forefront of scientific innovation. Between 1990 and 2022, the U.S. was the first to launch nearly half of all new cancer drugs, leading the world in the approval and introduction of novel anticancer therapies. Indeed, the promise of scientific discovery in pursuit of even more effective cancer treatments has never been greater. At this pivotal moment, however, turmoil at NIH and other federal health agencies threatens ongoing and future progress for patients.
In the short term, research studies have been postponed, labs across the country have had to lay off or limit hiring staff, and patients’ access to potentially lifesaving treatments has been delayed.
In the longer term, continued disruptions at NIH and uncertainty about sustained federal funding for cancer research will lead to a demoralized and potentially smaller cancer research workforce in this country, as talented scientists may choose to pursue careers outside of academic research or opportunities outside the U.S. As the cancer research workforce shrinks, promising discoveries will be abandoned, and progress against cancer will slow. America’s leadership in science and innovation will be eroded, weakening the nation’s economy and competitiveness. Most devastating, patients with cancer will be left with fewer options, and more lives will be lost.
Encouragingly, leaders in both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have demonstrated strong bipartisan support for medical research and the NIH in their FY 2026 bills. In the Senate, Susan Collins (R-ME), Patty Murray (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are championing robust NIH funding. Their efforts have been matched in the House by Tom Cole (R-OK), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and Robert Aderholt (R-AL). In addition, Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) underscored the importance of medical research in this year’s report.
The AACR applauds these members and many others in Congress for their commitment to ensuring that lifesaving discoveries continue. Their bipartisan leadership is especially critical as final funding decisions remain unresolved and the risk of a government shutdown grows. The AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025 calls on Congress to also:
“We are deeply grateful to leaders in Congress who have taken action in support of medical research during this tumultuous time,” said AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc). “Federal investments in cancer research reduce suffering, restore hope, and save lives. To maintain the tremendous momentum against cancer described in the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025 , robust funding for NIH and other federal health agencies must continue.”
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RESOURCES
For a copy of the report , contact Kathleen Medora at kathleen.medora@aacr.org or 215-290-5408.
To register to attend the September 17 release event unveiling the report in person, please fill out this form . To register to view the event livestream, please fill out this form .
The AACR has made the following graphics available for reporters’ use in stories and on social media. Download them at the links below:
Video interviews with patients featured in the report, as well as b-roll, are also available. Contact Kathleen Medora at kathleen.medora@aacr.org for clips.