American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network launches campaign, urges Congress to protect funding for cancer research

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Billboards across Louisiana are urging Congress to protect funding for cancer research as the Trump administration proposes an $18 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) launched the campaign to highlight the importance of continued investment in cancer prevention and treatment research.

Courtney Fournet, an ACT Lead with ACS CAN, said the cause is personal. In 2022, at age 27, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“Ten years ago, the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia was just six months,” Fournet said. “Thanks to research and clinical trials, I was able to take part in an immunotherapy trial that saved my life. The survival rate now is over 90%.”

Fournet said immunotherapy provided significantly fewer side effects and shorter treatment time than traditional chemotherapy. She fears funding cuts could stall breakthroughs like the one that helped her.

“We don’t want to put a halt to the process that’s already in place and these amazing steps we are making,” she said.

The billboards read: “Congress: Cancer research cuts mean future cures will disappear.” ACS CAN is encouraging the public to join their advocacy by texting “CURES” to 73508.