Cancer touches nearly every Alabama family in some way — whether through a diagnosis, treatment, recovery, or the loss of a loved one. The disease remains the second-leading cause of death in the state.
Against that backdrop, Birmingham cancer researcher Lynne Nacke recently joined advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., to make the case for continued federal investment in cancer research and prevention programs.
Nacke, a staff scientist in the Saxena Lab who researches pediatric cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, joined cancer survivors, researchers and advocates from across the country through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to meet with lawmakers and attend a U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing featuring National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.
The group urged Congress to continue supporting the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, which provides much of the federal funding that supports cancer research nationwide. According to ACS CAN, sustained federal investment in research and prevention has helped contribute to a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates over the past 30 years and more than 18 million cancer survivors currently living in the United States.
Reflecting on the trip, Nacke said the experience reinforced the importance of ensuring researchers can continue pursuing scientific breakthroughs.
“My trip to D.C. was enlightening and empowering. Surrounded by other cancer researchers as well as patients and survivors, we made a powerful statement to our senators about the importance of NIH funding,” Nacke said. “We must protect our nation’s scientific progress in cancer research done in labs like the one in which I work in Birmingham. To do that, we asked Congress to pass the highest possible funding for cancer research and prevention programs. I am grateful to Senator Britt for taking the time to meet with me in Washington last week.”
Among the lawmakers Nacke met with was U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), who praised Alabama’s research community and its contributions to medical innovation.
“Alabama’s incredible cancer researchers and scientists are among the top minds in our nation and world in finding lifesaving and life-changing cures. I was grateful for the opportunity to express my gratitude to Ms. Nacke personally for her work and her advocacy. I’m deeply proud to work alongside our state’s incredible medical community, my colleagues in the Senate, and the Trump Administration to ensure this critical research continues and is seen through to fruition.”
For the thousands of Alabama families facing a cancer diagnosis each year, advocates argue that continued federal support for research is not simply a budget issue but an investment in future treatments, improved survival rates and better outcomes for patients.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
