AACR Cancer Progress Report 2014: Transforming Lives Through Research

September 16, 2014 by
Researcher Jeffrey A. Engelman, MD, PhD, left, and patient James (Rocky) Lagno discussed the impact and promise of genomics research in cancer treatment during this morning's press teleconference.

Researcher Jeffrey A. Engelman, MD, PhD, left, and patient James (Rocky) Lagno discussed the impact and promise of genomics research in cancer treatment during this morning’s press teleconference.

Today we released the fourth annual AACR Cancer Progress Report. I am thrilled at the level of interest already shown by members of the media who participated this morning in a press teleconference. Highlights of the report were presented during this event by our president, Carlos L. Arteaga, MD.

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is committed to increasing public understanding of cancer and the importance of biomedical research, as well as to advocating for increased federal funding for lifesaving research. The AACR Cancer Progress Report 2014 is a cornerstone of these efforts, chronicling how biomedical research is transforming lives. We are indebted to Dr. Arteaga and the other members of the progress report writing committee for generously sharing their time and wisdom to create such a comprehensive report.

We are also deeply grateful to the individuals who shared their personal experiences with cancer in the report. Their participation in this important AACR project is invaluable, as is their involvement in a number of other events that are taking place over the next few days to raise awareness of the transformative impact that research has on patients’ lives. One of these events is a Twitter chat on progress against cancer and the future of cancer research, which is being hosted by ABC News at 1 p.m. ET today. Tomorrow, Dr. Arteaga and I will unveil the report to the Washington, D.C. cancer community at a noon event in the National Press Club.

cancer research infographic

This infographic from the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2014 describes some of the ways research is making a difference for patients.

The following day, Thursday, Sept. 18, we will join with nearly 300 national organizations for the Rally for Medical Research Hill Day. Because the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2014 showcases the value of federally funded research to all Americans, representatives of the AACR will be using the report to help explain why it is imperative that Congress invests in the NIH and NCI to House and Senate offices in Washington, D.C.

Read more about the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2014 on ABC News, Bloomberg, and The Atlantic.