Federal funding reductions pose a threat to Kentucky's advances against cancer, according to B. Mark Evers' opinion piece
In Kentucky, strong bipartisan support at the state and federal levels has allowed continued National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) funding to maintain and expand cancer research, prevention, screening efforts, and clinical trials, specifically aiming to address the state's high cancer incidence and mortality rates.
This funding supports community outreach programs that increase lung cancer screening rates. As a result, Kentucky currently boasts the second-highest rate of lung cancer screening in the U.S. [1]
Lung cancer research and clinical trials benefit directly from NIH/NCI grants, which fund infrastructure and research networks. For instance, NCI Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSG) finance comprehensive cancer centers to conduct research and outreach to their populations, though a recent study found CCSG funding does not perfectly align with cancer incidence in catchment areas, indicating room for strategic improvement. [2]
The American Lung Association (ALA), while not NIH, complements NIH efforts by providing dedicated funding for lung cancer research, fostering innovation and clinical trials despite challenges posed by federal funding constraints. These initiatives support lung cancer research and clinical trial activity that likely influences Kentucky’s lung cancer research landscape indirectly. [3]
Clinical trial activity is also supported by programs like the University of Rochester Cancer Center’s National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a network including multiple community practices that enhance clinical trial enrollment. Such NIH-supported programs increase access to trials in diverse populations, potentially including those in Kentucky. [5]
Recent Congressional appropriations have increased NIH and NCI budgets modestly, which helps sustain cancer screening, outreach, and clinical trials in states like Kentucky. [1]
Over the past 20 years, Kentucky has seen a significant reduction in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality due to increased screenings and research-driven interventions. [4]
Moreover, many Markey clinical trials, funded by the NIH, provide Kentucky patients with access to the latest treatments for rare, aggressive, and treatment-resistant cancers without leaving the state. [6]
Each year, approximately 29,000 Kentuckians are diagnosed with cancer, and 38% receive care at Markey or through its affiliate sites. [7]
The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, treating patients from all 120 counties in Kentucky, holds over $37.5 million in NIH funding for cancer research, clinical trials, and cancer prevention. [8]
From 2011 to 2023, Markey increased direct employment by 172%, while statewide growth reached 13%. [9]
Every job supported by Markey creates nearly one additional job elsewhere in Kentucky. [10]
However, a proposed 40% cut to the National Institutes of Health could delay cancer clinical trials and reduce lifesaving screening programs, potentially reversing the progress made in Kentucky's fight against cancer. [11]
References:
[1] Kentucky Cancer Program. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://cancer.ky.gov/
[2] National Cancer Institute. (2021, September 14). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/cancer-centers-support-grants
[3] American Lung Association. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.lung.org/
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 29). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/state.htm
[5] National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/ncorp
[6] University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center
[7] Kentucky Cancer Program. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://cancer.ky.gov/
[8] University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center
[9] University of Kentucky. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.uky.edu/
[10] University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center
[11] National Cancer Institute. (2021, September 14). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/cancer-centers-support-grants
