How Federal Policy Changes Are Affecting Cancer Disparities Research: Findings From an AACR Survey
For decades, federal investment in cancer disparities research has helped identify factors that contribute to poorer outcomes among medically underserved populations in the United States and has informed strategies to improve prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2026 highlights progress in narrowing some cancer disparities while documenting persistent gaps and evidence-based approaches to address them. Importantly, efforts to reduce cancer disparities depend on federal funding, a robust research and care workforce, and sustained support for investigators pursuing this work.
However, since early 2025, federal policy changes have created new uncertainty for cancer disparities researchers. In 2026, AACR developed a brief online survey to examine the adverse impact of these policy changes on the cancer disparities research workforce and their potential implications for the future of the field.
The survey, which included open-ended, single-choice, and multiple-choice questions, was administered in two phases (April 8-May 13, 2026, and August 26-October 1, 2026). Survey findings from the initial phase were presented in the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2026; here we present updated results incorporating responses from both phases. Invitations to participate in the survey were distributed weekly by email to approximately 1,800 individuals who attended the AACR Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities between 2020 and 2025. Participation was optional, and the survey was anonymized and collected limited personal information to protect respondent confidentiality.
Of the 158 respondents, 154 (nearly 98%) were currently engaged in cancer disparities research and were included in the analyses. Respondents represented a range of career stages and professional backgrounds, including assistant, associate, and full/tenured professors in academic settings, postdoctoral researchers, staff scientists, clinicians and other health care providers, public health professionals, research staff and administrators, consultants, and patient advocates.
Disparities Researchers Report Widespread Disruptions
Among the 154 respondents actively engaged in cancer disparities research, nearly 93% reported that recent federal policy changes had adversely affected their work. Among those affected, the most commonly reported challenge was an inability to apply for previously eligible funding opportunities, cited by 78% of respondents. Other frequently reported impacts included delays or disruptions to ongoing research projects (59%), loss or reduction of grant funding (57%), and reduced support for trainees, staff, or collaborators (54%).
“I have been conducting cancer health disparities research for over 25 years,” one of the respondents wrote. “Many of us have been steadfastly advocating for increased focus on cancer health inequities and for sustained efforts to address these, and many of us felt that over the past several years, we are finally beginning to make some strides in closing the disparities gaps across population groups. However, just in the past year, we are seeing this progress dismantle before our very eyes.”
Many respondents also reported challenges engaging with the broader scientific community. Nearly 40% reported a reduced ability to attend or present at scientific conferences, while approximately one-third cited difficulties recruiting trainees (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers) to work on cancer disparities-related projects.
Other respondents emphasized that the effects extended beyond challenges engaging with the scientific community. Cancer disparities research often depends on sustained partnerships with communities experiencing disparities, and some respondents expressed concerns that recent changes were undermining relationships that took years to establish.
One researcher said: “The communities we serve feel betrayed. There is no prescription on how to stand up effectively, but the bowing down so quickly has left investigators and communities feeling unsafe and distrusting. It will take a lot of time to rebuild.”
For Many, Federal Funding Losses Remained Unrestored
Among respondents who experienced a loss or reduction in grant funding, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was the most commonly identified funding source affected, followed by other federal agencies (e.g., National Science Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Defense). Alarmingly, among respondents who experienced loss or reductions in funding, more than 80% reported that their funding had not been restored by the end of 2025.
One respondent stated: “I had two NIH awards terminated that I led as PI. Only one of them was restored. The other was an R01 and now, it is affecting my ability to be eligible to lead a T32 training program award.”
Another articulated how these policy changes are redirecting time from scientific work to revising language in grants: “Considerable time has been wasted revising grant proposals, manuscripts, and other documents trying to adhere to the current administration’s priorities. Time that could have been spent on research, potentially saving lives.”
Considerable time has been wasted revising grant proposals, manuscripts, and other documents trying to adhere to the current administration’s priorities. Time that could have been spent on research, potentially saving lives.
Some Researchers Are Shifting Their Research Focus Away From Cancer Disparities
When respondents were asked whether policy-related challenges had led them to change their research focus, nearly 60% indicated that they had either already shifted partially away from disparities research or were seriously considering changing their research focus. This finding raises major concerns about the long-term sustainability of the field.
“As an early career investigator applying for a K08, these policy changes have made funding incredibly challenging at a pivotal time in my career, making me seriously consider leaving the research field altogether and taking a clinical oncology role,” wrote one respondent.
Disparities research relies on a diverse and multidisciplinary workforce to understand and address the complex challenges faced by underserved populations. If researchers are unable to secure funding or maintain research programs, the field risks losing expertise that took decades to build and has been critical to understanding and addressing cancer inequities.
Together, these findings and qualitative insights illustrate consequences that extend beyond individual funding decisions. They point to disruptions in research programs, career development, workforce capacity, scientific momentum, and community trust.
Protecting Progress in Reducing Cancer Disparities
Key findings from the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report were presented at a special session entitled, “Charting the Path Forward: Lessons and Next Steps from the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report,” at the 19th AACR Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities. During this session, steering committee members and cancer survivors featured in the biennial report highlighted both the substantial progress achieved in reducing cancer health disparities across the cancer care continuum and the persistent challenges that remain.
The session also featured a discussion on workforce development and training, led by Robert Winn, MD, FAACR, director of Fox Chase Cancer Center, who reflected on four decades of progress in strengthening the cancer disparities research workforce and the importance of sustaining these gains amid current challenges.
Drawing a comparison between 1986 and 2026, Winn highlighted the progress made in expanding participation in cancer research and strengthening the scientific workforce. He pointed to the establishment of the AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Award in 1985 and increased representation of historically underrepresented groups within major oncology organizations as examples of how sustained efforts to support workforce development have helped transform the field. “We have made substantial progress,” Winn said.
Winn also reflected on the evolution of cancer disparities research, noting that the field has progressed from observing and documenting disparities to investigating the complex interplay of biological, environmental, genomic, and structural drivers that contribute to them. He urged attendees not to lose sight of these accomplishments: “It is easy to feel as if you’ve not made any progress. You have!”
Winn concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to remain steadfast in their commitment to eliminating cancer disparities. “You should not be afraid of the challenges,” he said. “Let’s make sure the progress continues.” His remarks reinforced a central message emerging from both the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2026 and the survey: While substantial progress has been made in understanding and addressing cancer disparities, sustained federal investment in cancer disparities research and the workforce that drives it is essential to sustaining this momentum and advancing future progress.
