2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P2.27. Advocates Unite to Increase Lung Cancer Research Funding

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In 2022, the lung cancer advocacy community joined together to campaign for increased funding for the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP). The campaign was successful in securing a 25% funding increase, the highest amount the program has ever received.<br /><br />Lung cancer research funding has been lacking compared to other cancers, with the LCRP never exceeding its original funding level of $20 million since 2009. Funding for the LCRP has averaged $14 million per year since 2009, while breast cancer research and prostate cancer research programs have received much higher funding.<br /><br />The campaign was led by the Lung Cancer Action Network (LungCAN), an association of nonprofit organizations and patient advocacy groups focused on lung cancer. They created a Steering Committee to develop a strategic plan to increase the LCRP budget. They also created a platform for advocates to contact members of Congress without risking losing organizational support.<br /><br />The campaign saw widespread support from the lung cancer advocacy community, with advocates calling and visiting their Senators and Representatives to make a case for increased funding. Strategic social media engagement and engagement through the LungCAN platform reached thousands of individuals and legislators. The campaign also gained support from 80 associations and organizations beyond Congress.<br /><br />While the campaign did not achieve the full funding goal of $60 million, it highlighted the power of unity and collaboration in advocating for lung cancer research funding. Next steps include retaining a lobbyist to navigate the process of securing fair research funding and providing briefings and training sessions for advocates.<br /><br />The success of the campaign emphasizes the need for collaboration and continued efforts to secure fair funding for lung cancer research. The Lung Cancer Action Network is grateful for the ongoing commitment of the advocacy community and the support received from various organizations.

Asset Subtitle

Dusty Donaldson

Meta Tag

Speaker Dusty Donaldson

Topic Patient Advocacy

Keywords

lung cancer advocacy

funding increase

Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program

Lung Cancer Research Program

campaign success

research funding

breast cancer research

prostate cancer research

Lung Cancer Action Network

advocacy community