Written by Julia Thayer, Associate Director, Advocacy

FY2027 Budget Update & Advocacy Momentum

As we continue through appropriations season, we wanted to share a quick update on the President’s proposed FY2027 budget and what it means for our community.

While we’re still awaiting full details, there are a few key takeaways to highlight.

A quick look back

Many of you will remember that last year’s budget proposal included significant cuts, as well as proposals to eliminate key cancer control programs that patients and families rely on. Thanks to your advocacy, we were able to push back on those proposals and help retain critical funding for these programs.

What we’re seeing in the FY2027 budget proposal

This year’s proposal is already a step in a promising direction.

  • Funding for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is essentially held level, avoiding the cuts that were proposed last year. 
  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cancer control programs that were proposed for elimination last year are retained this year.
    • These programs have been moved under a new proposed structure, the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), which would operate within the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). 
  • Although there is no mention of funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), including the Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP), this is expected— CDMRP funding decisions are traditionally made by Congress, not by the Administration. 

What this means

This proposal avoids some of the cuts we saw last year—but it still falls short of what our community needs to make meaningful progress against ovarian and all gynecologic cancers.

We will continue to advocate for the funding priorities we brought to Capitol Hill during last month’s Advocacy Day:

  • $52.5 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) 
  • $15 million for Johanna’s Law 
  • $20 million for the Ovarian Cancer Control Initiative (OCCI) 

Momentum is building

We’re already seeing the impact of OCRA advocates’ hard work in real time. A key ask at Advocacy Day was for Members of Congress to sign onto the House Dear Colleague letter supporting OCRP funding—and that effort is already paying off, with support increasing from 75 before Advocacy Day, to 106 today.

This meaningful increase reflects the impact our community makes on Capitol Hill. Your voices are being heard—and they are making a difference.

What comes next

It’s important to remember that this proposal is just the starting point in the federal budget process. Congress ultimately determines final funding levels, and sustained advocacy will be critical to securing the investments our community needs.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as the appropriations process moves forward and share opportunities to take action.

Thank you for your continued dedication and advocacy.