ZERO Prostate Cancer Urges Congress to Protect Lifesaving Cancer Research and Prevention Funding June 3, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Stephanie S. JohnsonZERO Prostate Cancerstephjohnson@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org(202) 998-2507 WASHINGTON, D.C. — ZERO Prostate Cancer is deeply alarmed by the Fiscal Year 2026 President’s Budget, which proposes sweeping cuts that would jeopardize decades of progress in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The proposed budget slashes the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funding by a staggering 37%, reduces the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget by 40%, eliminates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) cancer prevention efforts, and guts numerous smaller–but–critical programs that support those impacted by prostate cancer. "These proposed cuts represent an unprecedented retreat in our nation's commitment to fighting cancer," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO. "For the prostate cancer community, these reductions would devastate research pipelines, delay promising treatments, and ultimately cost lives. On the heels of a 32% cut to the Prostate Cancer Research Program in FY25, a national failure to invest in cancer research is not just disappointing–it will be devastating.The proposed budget undermines essential pillars of our nation’s cancer-fighting infrastructure. For example:The 32% cut to NCI would cripple cutting-edge prostate cancer research, stalling breakthroughs in early detection, treatment resistance, and disparities that disproportionately affect Black men and underserved communities.Eliminating CDC cancer prevention programs would dismantle vital early detection and awareness initiatives including cancer registries that enable effective outreach and targeted public health campaigns– like ZERO’s Blitz the Barriers.Reduction in support for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) would further weaken an already under-resourced entity responsible for developing trusted screening guidelines. "I look forward to the day when the work of the NIH, CDC, and all of HHS to improve cancer outcomes is no longer necessary,"said Bugler. "But that day is not today. Every single day in this country, we lose approximately 100 men to prostate cancer. These proposed cuts would roll back decades of progress and betray our national commitment to improve and save lives caused by this devastating disease."ZERO urges Congress to reject these devastating cuts and instead reaffirm our collective promise to patients, survivors, and families by fully funding essential cancer research and prevention programs. The lives of millions of Amercians–today and for generations to come–depend on it. About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For over 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. As the nation’s #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO. About Prostate Cancer Access to Healthcare Advocacy Press Release More for you
ZERO Prostate Cancer Urges Congress to Protect Lifesaving Cancer Research and Prevention Funding June 3, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Stephanie S. JohnsonZERO Prostate Cancerstephjohnson@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org(202) 998-2507
WASHINGTON, D.C. — ZERO Prostate Cancer is deeply alarmed by the Fiscal Year 2026 President’s Budget, which proposes sweeping cuts that would jeopardize decades of progress in cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The proposed budget slashes the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funding by a staggering 37%, reduces the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget by 40%, eliminates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) cancer prevention efforts, and guts numerous smaller–but–critical programs that support those impacted by prostate cancer. "These proposed cuts represent an unprecedented retreat in our nation's commitment to fighting cancer," said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO. "For the prostate cancer community, these reductions would devastate research pipelines, delay promising treatments, and ultimately cost lives. On the heels of a 32% cut to the Prostate Cancer Research Program in FY25, a national failure to invest in cancer research is not just disappointing–it will be devastating.The proposed budget undermines essential pillars of our nation’s cancer-fighting infrastructure. For example:The 32% cut to NCI would cripple cutting-edge prostate cancer research, stalling breakthroughs in early detection, treatment resistance, and disparities that disproportionately affect Black men and underserved communities.Eliminating CDC cancer prevention programs would dismantle vital early detection and awareness initiatives including cancer registries that enable effective outreach and targeted public health campaigns– like ZERO’s Blitz the Barriers.Reduction in support for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) would further weaken an already under-resourced entity responsible for developing trusted screening guidelines. "I look forward to the day when the work of the NIH, CDC, and all of HHS to improve cancer outcomes is no longer necessary,"said Bugler. "But that day is not today. Every single day in this country, we lose approximately 100 men to prostate cancer. These proposed cuts would roll back decades of progress and betray our national commitment to improve and save lives caused by this devastating disease."ZERO urges Congress to reject these devastating cuts and instead reaffirm our collective promise to patients, survivors, and families by fully funding essential cancer research and prevention programs. The lives of millions of Amercians–today and for generations to come–depend on it.
About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For over 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. As the nation’s #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org
More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO.
