The most deadly cancers receive the lowest levels for federal research funding, according to a study published April 20 in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute used Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program registry data from 2015–2022 and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries’ Cancer in North America Explorer data from 2022 to assess cancer research funding in relation to disease burden.
Here are five notes from the study:
- The analysis covered nine cancer types: small and non-small cell lung cancers, pancreatic, breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, stomach and liver.
- Prostate and breast cancer had the highest five-year survival rates at 97.9% and 91.7%, respectively, while small cell lung and pancreatic lung cancer had the lowest five-year survival rates at 9.1% and 13.3%, respectively.
Prostate and breast cancer also had the highest incidence rates while small cell lung and stomach had the lowest incidence rates. - Ovarian cancer research received the most federal funding per incidence at $20,945 while non-small cell lung cancer research received the least per incidence at $1,214.
Prostate cancer research received the most federal funding per death at $126,992 while non-small cell lung cancer research received the least per death at $1,754.
- “These findings indicate that cancers with the highest lethality receive disproportionately lower levels of federal research support,” the study authors wrote. “Prioritizing these cancers could help direct limited resources toward diseases with the greatest potential to reduce suffering.”
- Here are the incidence and mortality rates compared to federal research funding for nine cancer types, according to the study:
| Cancer type | Five-year survival rate | Incidence rate (2022) | Funding per incidence | Estimated deaths | Funding per death |
| Prostate cancer | 97.9% | 119.4 | $2,667 | 5,219 | $126,992 |
| Breast cancer (female) | 91.7% | 133.3 | $5,793 | 22,606 | $69,800 |
| Colorectal cancer | 65.4% | 36.6 | $3,453 | 49,576 | $9,979 |
| Ovarian cancer | 51.6% | 9.9 | $20,945 | 9,702 | $43,275 |
| Stomach cancer | 37.9% | 6.8 | $3,835 | 16,982 | $6,175 |
| Non-small cell lung cancer | 30.8% | 43.5 | $1,214 | 129,161 | $1,754 |
| Liver cancer | 22.0% | 8.3 | $8,148 | 27,816 | $10,447 |
| Pancreatic cancer | 13.3% | 13.6 | $7,756 | 49,211 | $8,945 |
| Small cell lung cancer | 9.1% | 5.6 | $2,562 | 22,240 | $2,818 |
Read the full study here.
At the Becker's Perioperative Summit, taking place September 14–15 in Chicago, perioperative leaders and healthcare executives will focus on improving operating room efficiency, enhancing patient safety, optimizing staffing and driving innovation across surgical services. Apply for complimentary registration now.
