Cancer Advocates Lobbied Congress for Clinical Research
More than 750 advocates visited D.C. on September 28 to urge lawmakers to expand access to clinical trials.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cancer
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On September 28, 2026, over 750 volunteers gathered in Washington, D.C., for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's annual summit. The advocates met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to support the Clinical Trials Modernization Act and push for sustained federal funding for cancer research and prevention programs.
Why it matters
Securing federal funding and updating clinical trial policies directly impacts how patients access emerging treatments across the country. Expanding these efforts is essential for increasing participation in research and improving outcomes for the 24,500 people in Oklahoma alone projected to receive a cancer diagnosis this year.
The annual summit brought together 750 volunteers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. While the economic impact of National Institutes of Health funding in Oklahoma is estimated at $500,000, the exact legislative timeline for the proposed clinical trial reform is still under development.
The players
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society that focuses on public policy and federal funding for cancer prevention and research.
The details
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network coordinates a grassroots network to influence federal policy regarding oncological care. By lobbying for the Clinical Trials Modernization Act, the group aims to remove administrative and logistical barriers that prevent patients from enrolling in trials. This initiative builds on previous policy shifts, such as the Medicare Multi Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which was signed into law last year to improve early diagnosis access.
Timeline
• September 28, 2026: The Leadership Summit and National Lobby Day took place in Washington, D.C.
Health Landscape
This advocacy push follows the precedent set by the Medicare Multi Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act signed last year. It represents a broader effort to modernize the legislative framework surrounding cancer treatment access and federal research investment.
If you or a loved one are exploring treatment options, discuss the possibility of clinical trial enrollment with your oncologist. Early detection and trial access remain critical conversations to have with your care team, especially as national policies seek to remove current barriers to entry.
The takeaway
Advocacy efforts in Washington are focusing on increasing access to clinical trials to support patients throughout their treatment journey. Patients and families can track the progress of the Clinical Trials Modernization Act to understand potential future changes in research eligibility requirements.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and policy initiatives in our Cancer section.
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