The Cost of Biological Terrorism

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health Policy
• Medical Research Funding

Background:

• Cancer represents a significant threat to Americans, with one in four individuals expected to die from the disease.
• Current government funding for cancer research, particularly through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is inadequate, likened to a "skirmish" rather than a "war effort."
• Despite historical successes in medical research, such as eradicating polio and developing anesthesia, cancer remains a major public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the disparity between the threat of cancer and the level of funding allocated to cancer research.
• To advocate for increased financial support for cancer research to accelerate prevention and cure efforts.
• To emphasize the need for a "war effort" approach to cancer research, drawing parallels to military spending and past public health victories.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current and proposed government funding for cancer research.
• Comparison of cancer research budgets with military and space program expenditures.
• Review of historical cancer research successes and their return on investment.
• Examination of the impact of managed care policies on clinical research funding.

Main Results:

• Cancer research funding is disproportionately low compared to the disease's impact and compared to other government expenditures.
• Past investments in specific cancer research, like testicular cancer, have yielded significant returns, including high cure rates and long-term cost savings.
• Despite progress in some cancer types, prevalent forms like breast, prostate, and lung cancer still require more intensive research.
• A significant portion of approved cancer research grants remain unfunded, representing lost opportunities.

Conclusions:

• The current level of funding for cancer research is medically and morally insufficient.
• Increased investment in cancer research is essential for achieving cures and effective prevention strategies.
• Public advocacy is necessary to urge Congress to fulfill its commitment to cancer research funding and combat the disease effectively.