About the National Cancer Plan
Read “Using the National Cancer Plan to drive innovation in cancer research,” a commentary by NCI Director W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D., in Cancer Discovery.
We know that our continued progress against cancer is the direct result of advances made possible by investment from federal, state, and local governments, along with private investment, and by the sustained efforts of researchers around the world and millions of people with cancer, their caregivers, and advocates.
Building on these tremendous efforts and to realize the vision laid out by President Biden and First Lady Biden as part of the Cancer Moonshot℠, the National Cancer Plan provides a framework for everyone—across the federal government and all of society—to collaborate in ending cancer as we know it.
What's in the plan?
The National Cancer Plan is a living document that will evolve over time as the cancer community continues to make advances and needs change.
The plan's eight goals describe aspects of the progress needed to reduce the cancer mortality rate and transform the meaning of a cancer diagnosis. Research is critical to achieving the plan’s goals, but success will rely on everyone playing their part—everyone has a role.
Read the full text of the National Cancer Plan.
The National Cancer Plan is meant to drive innovation in cancer research. Discovery science is the essential fuel for all the goals.
How does the National Cancer Plan relate to the Cancer Moonshot?
The plan outlines goals designed to support the aims of the Cancer Moonshot and provides a framework for ways to meaningfully contribute to achieving these goals. Projects currently underway as part of the Cancer Moonshot are featured throughout the plan and connected to other cancer research efforts.
The plan considers the entire landscape of cancer in the United States and is a comprehensive effort to align all corners of the cancer community in the fight against cancer. Just as the White House has invited people far and wide to share their stories and actions, NCI is calling on the community to share what they are doing to meet the goals of the National Cancer Plan.
The President’s Cancer Panel monitors progress toward the goals of the National Cancer Plan.
NCI is committed to fueling and fostering innovation and collaboration across the federal government and beyond to accomplish more together than we can separately. With unprecedented scientific opportunities, passion, and commitment from diverse areas of our society, ending cancer as we know it is within our reach.
"The National Cancer Plan isn't just a roadmap—it's a call to action for all of us. By coming together, we can turn the vision of the Cancer Moonshot into a reality, uniting our efforts to end cancer as we know it."
—NCI Director W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D.