Regarding “In final Cancer Moonshot report, Biden lays out progress and obstacles," better coordination, more public-private partnerships, improved data-sharing and a pro-innovation research infrastructure will help meet Vice President Joe Biden's Cancer Moonshot goal of achieving 10 years of progress in five years. But a serious commitment to “doubling the pace” of progress will require the public and private sectors to consider doubling investments in medical research to about $1,000 per American per year to find the solutions to what ails us—not only cancer, but diabetes, mental illness, Alzheimer's and so much more.
In comparison to the costs of continuing the all too painful status quo, research at double the cost would be a bargain. A majority of Americans (85%) agree, stating that it is important for candidates running for national office to assign a high priority to increasing funding for medical research, according to a survey commissioned by Research!America. The philanthropist and medical research advocate Mary Lasker famously said, “If you think research is expensive, try disease.” Let's commit to stronger investments in research to put cancer in the history books. What are we waiting for?
