Advocates Pushed for Expanded Cancer Research Funding
Indianapolis residents joined a national effort to increase federal support and lower clinical trial barriers.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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Cancer survivors and advocates recently gathered in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to boost funding for the NIH, NCI, and CDC. Among the 750 participants was Ashley Gibson, an Indianapolis resident and eight-year breast cancer survivor who lobbied for the Clinical Trial Modernization Act.
Why it matters
Advocates seek to secure long-term federal resources that have historically supported significant declines in cancer mortality. Proposed legislation aims to reduce financial barriers to clinical trial enrollment, which can currently prohibit many patients from accessing experimental care.
Data indicates that federal research funding increases over the past 30 years have correlated with a 34% reduction in cancer mortality rates. Over 750 volunteers, including survivors and caregivers from all 50 states, gathered to advocate for the continued prioritization of these resources.
The players
Ashley Gibson
An Indianapolis-based eight-year breast cancer survivor and advocate who manages a history of Stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society that mobilizes volunteers to lobby for evidence-based policies and cancer research funding.
The details
The proposed Clinical Trial Modernization Act aims to remove logistical and financial hurdles that often prevent patients from participating in research, such as travel and lodging costs. By lowering these barriers, proponents argue that clinical trials can become more accessible to a broader, more diverse patient population. For individuals like Gibson, who was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer with a PMS2 gene mutation, federal support remains vital to sustain the development of targeted therapies.
Timeline
Eight years ago: Ashley Gibson received her cancer diagnosis.
Past 30 years: Federal funding increases occurred for cancer research.
September 2026: Gibson attended the ACS CAN Leadership Summit.
Health Landscape
This advocacy effort follows the legislative push for the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, which seeks to modernize how patients access life-saving research. It marks a shift from purely budgetary concerns toward structural changes designed to increase equity and participation in clinical trials.
If you are interested in clinical trials, discuss the financial and logistical support options available with your oncologist to determine what resources might exist. Stay informed about legislative updates that could impact the affordability of trial participation in your area.
The takeaway
Advocacy efforts play a critical role in sustaining federal research and improving access to life-saving experimental trials. Patients interested in trial participation should speak with their physician about clinical trial matching services and available support programs.
Further reading
For more on the current research landscape and trial accessibility, visit our Cancer section.
More information
Find additional resources and information on volunteer advocacy at the ACS CAN advocacy and volunteer portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 93.1FM WIBC.
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