Federal Funding Supports Cancer Control in Virginia

Posted bycanceractioncoalitionofvirginiaPosted inBlog

The change of presidential administrations in January 2025 brought with it an increased scrutiny of federal program funding. These talking points can help cancer control partners and policymakers understand and explain the differences between cancer programs and grants at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and how they operate in Virginia.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

NCI is the “federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training.” (Source)

NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is one of 11 agencies making up the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Source)

NCI’s mission is to lead, conduct, and support “cancer research across the nation to advance scientific knowledge and help all people live longer, healthier lives.” (Source)

NCI’s focus is on research and training researchers, while CDC’s cancer programs focus on public health and cancer control. (Source)

NCI funds 72 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, including VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. (Source)

NCI funds approximately $130 million in grants and contracts in Virginia. (Source)

The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) network conducts and participates in clinical trials within community settings. Trials focus on cancer prevention, screening, supportive care and symptom management, surveillance, health-related quality of life, and cancer care delivery. (Source)

  • The VCU Massey Cancer Center Minority Underserved is an NCORP site in Virginia and operates in 20 clinic and hospital locations in the Commonwealth. (Source)
  • The Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium is an NCORP site in Virginia and operates in 9 clinic and hospital settings in the Commonwealth. (Source)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC’s cancer programs focus on cancer control and public health, while NCI’s focus is on research and training researchers.

CDC funding to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH):

The CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) provides funds, guidance, and technical assistance to help cancer control programs and coalitions implement effective and sustainable plans to prevent and control cancer. It provides funding to all 50 states (including Virginia) and other areas.

  • These funds support staff and cancer control evidence-based intervention implementation within VDH, as well as a contract with the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV).
  • Note: The Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV) will also receive approximately $123,000 of federal dollars through its FY25 contract with VDH.
    • The Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV) is an alliance of 350 individuals representing over 100 organizations working together to develop the Virginia Cancer Plan and provide statewide guidance, support, leadership, and coordination of cancer prevention and control activities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through this funding, the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV):
      • Convenes and facilitates statewide workgroups of cancer control experts.
      • Develops and supports implementation of the Virginia Cancer Plan, which provides a roadmap to help Virginia residents address the burden of cancer. The plan provides data, guidance, information, and resources for all Virginians. The goals of the plan can be addressed throughout the Commonwealth and require the engagement and collaboration of individuals and organizations involved in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and post treatment.
      • Awards funding to programs and projects to implement strategies and actions within the Virginia Cancer Plan.
      • Builds the capacity of Virginia’s cancer control workforce and advocates through education, resources, collaboration, and connection.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) grant currently funds 71 award recipients across the United States, including Virginia. NBCCEDP provides breast and cervical cancer screening for those who qualify.

  • The Virginia NBCCEDP Program (also called Every Woman’s Life) provides free breast and cervical screenings to people who have no insurance, whose yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and who meet age requirements for each screening type.
  • Virginia’s Every Woman’s Life program will receive $2,950,000 in funding from the CDC in FY25.
  • Virginia also receives a small amount of funding from the state to support the Every Woman’s Life program to provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings.

The National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) collects data on new cancer cases (including the type, extent, and location of the cancer), the type of initial treatment, and outcomes.

This information allows researchers, doctors, policy makers, public health professionals, and the public to 1) monitor the burden of cancer; 2) evaluate cancer prevention and control programs; and 3) identify needs for additional efforts at national, state, and local levels.

  • The Virginia Cancer Registry collects cancer data on all Virginia residents and reports on cancer incidence and mortality rates and trends in the state.
  • The Virginia Cancer Registry will receive $739,200 in funding from the CDC in FY25.
  • The Virginia Cancer Registry also receives state funds to support the Virginia Cancer Registry efforts.

Other CDC Public Health Funding:

  • CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG)
    • One hundred and seven health departments and three national public health partners received funding through this 5-year grant (12/1/2022 – 11/30/2027), including Virginia (Source).

Virginia’s Federal Policy Makers