At AACR, leading cancer researchers urge colleagues to ‘fight for your science’
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Introduction:
The news topic “At AACR, leading cancer researchers urge colleagues to ‘fight for your science’” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- Cancer research leaders questioned if they could have communicated better to the public. This past week, over 22,000 cancer scientists, clinicians, and advocates convened for one of the largest cancer conferences in the world. Throughout it, cancer research leaders made a departure from just speaking about advances in cancer medicine in technical terms. They called on attendees to stand up and advocate for their research by taking actions like calling representatives, and several speakers made full-throated denouncements of certain Trump policies.. Angus Chen covers all issues broadly related to cancer including drugs, policy, science, and equity. He joined STAT in 2021 after covering health and science at NPR and NPR affiliate stations. His work has been recognized by national Edward R. Murrow awards, the June L. Biedler prize for cancer journalism, and more.
- AACR Annual Meeting 2025: Cancer Research Innovations, NIH Funding Advocacy, and AI-Driven Advances. Highlights included the launch of the $15 million AACR Trailblazer Cancer Research Grants, practice-changing clinical trial results, and a rallying cry to protect NIH funding. Under the theme “Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine,” thousands of researchers, clinicians, and advocates gathered to explore immunotherapy advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and environmental cancer risks. It delivered a compelling third day of cancer research breakthroughs, advocacy for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, and cutting-edge science. It was the largest single grant program in AACR history, targets groundbreaking work in cancer biology and translational research.
- Race is a poor proxy for human genetic differences and should no longer be used by researchers, says a paper in the journal Science. Doctors might miss cystic fibrosis in “black” patients because it is considered a “white” disease, a 2015 study suggested. Blood disorders called thalassemias are considered a Mediterranean/white disease and sickle-cell anemia a black disease, they are sometimes misdiagnosed when they strike the “wrong” racial group, researchers say. The higher rates of hypertension and breast cancer deaths among African Americans likely reflect socioeconomic, environmental, and other nongenetic factors, the authors say. “So many health disparities are not about race but are about social conditions,” said Michael Yudell, coauthor of the Science paper.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
Cancer research leaders questioned if they could have communicated better to the public. This past week, over 22,000 cancer scientists, clinicians, and advocates convened for one of the largest cancer conferences in the world. Throughout it, cancer research leaders made a departure from just speaking about advances in cancer medicine in technical terms. They called on attendees to stand up and advocate for their research by taking actions like calling representatives, and several speakers made full-throated denouncements of certain Trump policies.. Angus Chen covers all issues broadly related to cancer including drugs, policy, science, and equity. He joined STAT in 2021 after covering health and science at NPR and NPR affiliate stations. His work has been recognized by national Edward R. Murrow awards, the June L. Biedler prize for cancer journalism, and more. Read full article
AACR Annual Meeting 2025: Cancer Research Innovations, NIH Funding Advocacy, and AI-Driven Advances
AACR Annual Meeting 2025: Cancer Research Innovations, NIH Funding Advocacy, and AI-Driven Advances. Highlights included the launch of the $15 million AACR Trailblazer Cancer Research Grants, practice-changing clinical trial results, and a rallying cry to protect NIH funding. Under the theme “Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine,” thousands of researchers, clinicians, and advocates gathered to explore immunotherapy advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and environmental cancer risks. It delivered a compelling third day of cancer research breakthroughs, advocacy for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, and cutting-edge science. It was the largest single grant program in AACR history, targets groundbreaking work in cancer biology and translational research. Read full article
Should biologists stop grouping us by race?
Race is a poor proxy for human genetic differences and should no longer be used by researchers, says a paper in the journal Science. Doctors might miss cystic fibrosis in “black” patients because it is considered a “white” disease, a 2015 study suggested. Blood disorders called thalassemias are considered a Mediterranean/white disease and sickle-cell anemia a black disease, they are sometimes misdiagnosed when they strike the “wrong” racial group, researchers say. The higher rates of hypertension and breast cancer deaths among African Americans likely reflect socioeconomic, environmental, and other nongenetic factors, the authors say. “So many health disparities are not about race but are about social conditions,” said Michael Yudell, coauthor of the Science paper. Read full article
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, formerly known as the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act. A robust community of researchers is forming – coordinating their efforts to speed advancements in treatment and early detection. For the first time, we have the intellectual and material resources and the national will to go on the offensive against pancreatic cancer, the group says. The public is alarmed by the projected 55 percent increase in its incidence by 2030 – and is rallying to our cause, it says. “We have, for the first Time, the Intellectual and Material Resources and the National will to Go On The Offensive,” the group adds. “The fight is not going to be easy, but it is worth the effort,” it says, “and we are determined to make it a reality” Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
- Original Article
- AACR Annual Meeting 2025: Cancer Research Innovations, NIH Funding Advocacy, and AI-Driven Advances
- Should biologists stop grouping us by race?
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/05/03/aacr-2025-trump-nih-politics-advocacy/