Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is deeply concerned about recent actions taken by the 119th Congress to cut vital biomedical research funding and create uncertainty around the future of critical prevention and public health programs.
Our nation’s investment in biomedical research, breast cancer early detection, and vital health services has significantly contributed to the over 44% drop in breast cancer mortality over the last three and a half decades. More than 4,000,000 Americans are alive today after a breast cancer diagnosis because of research and access to high-quality care.
This investment in the health of Americans across the country through a strong public health infrastructure saves lives every year. Komen is disappointed by the actions of the 119th Congress, which has put these critical advancements in jeopardy.
The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 included devastating cuts to biomedical research and leaves funding for programs including the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) vulnerable and uncertain. Layering this on top of the budget resolutions passed earlier this year, the impact on the health ecosystem could be devastating.
Komen fears these actions could lead to arbitrary cuts or harmful reorganization of lifesaving programs that breast cancer patients and survivors depend on. These actions put the health and well-being of millions of Americans at risk. The impact will be significant:
- Anyone can receive a diagnosis of breast cancer.
- In 2025, an estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in the U.S. and approximately 42,170 women are expected to die from the disease.
- Breast cancer also affects men, with an estimated 2,800 new cases and 510 deaths in the U.S. in 2025.
- Nearly 170,000 people are living with incurable metastatic breast cancer, with research and clinical trials needed for their survival
- Breast cancer incidence rates have been increasing in recent decades, particularly among younger women.
As Congress moves forward, we call on our leaders to restore research funding cuts and preserve access to critical programs including NBCCEDP and Medicaid.
Komen welcomes thoughtful consideration of ways to improve our health care system and public health infrastructure, but this should not and cannot come at the expense of patients. We remain committed to working with the 119th Congress to drive funding for needed programs and access to critical services on behalf of the breast cancer community across our nation.
