At AACR, cancer researchers dove into politics as well as progress

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting drew over 22,000 cancer scientists, clinicians, and advocates to Chicago for one of the largest cancer conferences in the world. This year, the conference took on a new tone, with leaders in the cancer research community emphasizing the need for better communication with the public and increased advocacy for cancer research funding.

Robert Winn, the director of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, reflected on the disconnect between the advances in cancer research and the public perception of cancer as a death sentence. He acknowledged that the research community may have focused too much on generating new knowledge and cures without effectively communicating the progress being made in the field. This lack of communication may have contributed to the government’s decision to cut funding for cancer research and activities.

During the AACR meeting, speakers urged attendees to advocate for their research by taking action, such as calling representatives and speaking out against policies that hinder progress in cancer research. The conference saw a departure from technical discussions about advances in cancer medicine to a more impassioned call for action and advocacy.

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Overall, the AACR meeting highlighted the importance of effective communication and advocacy in the field of cancer research. By bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public, leaders hope to garner more support for research funding and ultimately improve outcomes for cancer patients.