Some Cancers Receive Far More Research Funding Than Others

When people donate to cancer research, they often assume the funds are going toward the deadliest forms of the disease. But a revealing study has shown that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, some of the most lethal cancers receive disproportionately low funding from nonprofit organizations. But why?

Published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a study examined how nonprofit donations match up with cancer prevalence and mortality. It found striking disparities: cancers like breast and pediatric leukemia receive strong financial support, while others remain severely underfunded.

The researchers aren't advocating for shifting funds away from well-supported causes. Instead, they’re calling for increased support across the board, especially for overlooked, high-mortality cancers. Here's everything you need to know about research funding for different types of cancers and how that money is actually being used.

• A landmark study shows funding doesn't align with deadliest cancers
• Many of the most lethal cancers receive the least nonprofit research money
• Factors influencing disparities include public stigma, lack of advocacy, and non-targeted donations
• Experts call for increased support across all types, especially underfunded ones

• This study was published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
• Analyzed nonprofit funding from 2015–2016 using tax records
• Found that colon, liver, ovarian, and lung cancers are underfunded
• Pediatric, breast, and leukemia research is comparatively well-supported

• Most deadly cancer in U.S. with over 142,000 deaths in 2019
• Also among the most frequently diagnosed
• Yet falls in the 'poorly funded' category
• Advocates urge more equitable resource allocation

• One of the most lethal cancers with a five-year survival rate under 12%
• Underfunded despite increasing incidence and mortality
• Known for late diagnosis and limited treatment options
• Calls growing for more targeted research investments

• Major causes of cancer death, especially in younger adults
• Colon cancer research underfunded relative to its impact
• Screening helps, but research on late-stage treatments is lacking
• Greater funding could improve survival and detection

• These gynecological cancers are frequently underfunded
• Public discomfort discussing reproductive health may deter donations
• HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer, but funding for treatment lags
• Endometrial cancer is rising but overlooked

• Liver cancer deaths have tripled in recent decades
• Often tied to hepatitis and alcohol-related damage
• Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is rare but deadly
• Both are critically underfunded

• Over 174,000 new cases in 2019 with 31,620 deaths
• Research funding lags behind breast cancer despite similar prevalence
• Advocacy and early detection help, but advanced treatment options need support

• Among the best-funded cancers due to strong advocacy
• Early detection and awareness campaigns drive support
• Five-year survival rates improving due to robust research
• Model for how community funding can make a difference

• Receive higher funding relative to their incidence and mortality
• Childhood leukemia a major focus area
• Advances in immunotherapy driven by nonprofit investments

• Pediatric cancers receive outsized nonprofit attention
• High emotional impact fuels public support
• Survival rates improving due to specialized research funding

• Nonprofits contributed over $5 billion to cancer research in recent years
• Many do not specify cancer type, diluting impact
• Donor preferences often drive funding decisions over medical need

• Well-known cancers receive more media and donation attention
• Rare or stigmatized cancers struggle to gain funding
• Awareness campaigns can shift donor focus

• Dr. Suneel Kamath urges not to cut but expand funding for overlooked cancers
• Study aims to inform rather than divert funds
• More balanced approach could improve outcomes across cancer types

• Cancer incidence expected to rise due to aging population
• Advances in early detection helping survival for some types
• Long-term survivors need continued care and research focus
• Calls for strategic allocation of resources are growing louder