April 3, 2023 - The battle against Cancer has long been a collective effort, with advances in treatment and prevention made possible through the dedicated work of researchers, caregivers, advocates, and the investment of federal, state, and local governments, as well as private investment. Building on the progress made thus far, the National Cancer Plan represents a bold and ambitious framework to end Cancer as we know it. The National Cancer Plan has been developed to coordinate a comprehensive national response to achieving the goals of the Cancer Moonshot initiative, led by President Biden and First Lady Biden, and to deliver better cancer outcomes to all people.
Image: https://twitter.com/theNCI/status/1642905180596498433/photo/1
The presence of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the heart of the BioHealth Capital Region brings significant value to the efforts to combat Cancer and advance health innovation. As a leading federal research institution, the NIH is a critical hub for scientific discovery and collaboration, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of researchers, biotechnology firms, and healthcare institutions in the region. In addition, by leveraging the proximity to the NIH, stakeholders in the BioHealth Capital Region benefit from enhanced opportunities for public-private partnerships, resource-sharing, and translating research findings into innovative therapies and treatments.
"The NIH being here in the BioHealth Capital Region enhances the collective capacity to drive forward the medical breakthroughs that are essential to achieving the vision of a future free from the burden of cancer," said Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation Inc.
At its core, the National Cancer Plan incorporates three key elements:
- Eight Goals:
- Prevent Cancer by encouraging society to adopt proven strategies that reduce cancer risk.
- Detect Cancers Early by promoting detection and treatment at early stages to improve effectiveness and reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Develop Effective Treatments by ensuring accessible treatments with minimal side effects for all types of cancers.
- Eliminate Inequities by addressing disparities in risk factors, incidence, and mortality through equitable access to care.
- Deliver Optimal Care through evidence-based, patient-centered care that prioritizes prevention and improves the lives of cancer survivors.
- Engage Every Person by providing opportunities for individuals affected by Cancer to participate in research and contribute to the collective knowledge.
- Maximize Data Utility by promoting the secure sharing of privacy-protected health data to accelerate research progress.
- Optimize the Workforce by fostering a diverse cancer care and research workforce that meets the needs of patients and at-risk individuals, ensuring they live longer and healthier lives.
- Strategies for Success: To support each of the eight goals, the plan outlines strategies that describe essential research and other activities needed to maximize benefits for everyone. These strategies aim to address current cancer research and care challenges and drive meaningful progress toward the plan's overarching goals.
- A Call to Action: The National Cancer Plan is more than just a set of goals and strategies; it is a call to action for everyone to play a role in the fight against Cancer. Echoing the central message of the Cancer Moonshot initiative, the plan invites every organization and individual to do their part to help end Cancer as we know it.
BioHealth Innovation (BHI) and the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) are ready to assist the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Plan in advancing the fight against Cancer on a global scale. As a leading biotechnology and life sciences hub, the BHCR boasts a vibrant ecosystem of research institutions, biotech companies, and industry partners dedicated to driving health innovation. As a key player in the region, BHI brings together stakeholders and facilitates public-private partnerships to accelerate the development and commercialization of novel cancer therapies, diagnostics, and preventive measures. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and collaborative spirit within the BHCR, BHI, and the region stand ready to contribute to the NIH's efforts in implementing the National Cancer Plan, ultimately enhancing cancer care and outcomes for patients worldwide.
Visit https://nationalcancerplan.cancer.gov/ to learn more about the National Cancer Plan