UAB O’Neal Cancer Center Director joins national leaders at One Voice Against Cancer congressional briefing

Barry Sleckman, M.D., Ph.D., UAB O’Neal Cancer Center Director, recently joined national cancer research, advocacy, and patient leaders on Capitol Hill for the One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC) congressional briefing, highlighting the importance of federally funded cancer research and the critical role the National Cancer Institute (NCI) plays in advancing discoveries that improve cancer patient outcomes.

Sleckman participated in the briefing alongside NCI Director Anthony (Tony) Letai, M.D., Ph.D.; Eric Winer, M.D., FASCO, of the Yale Cancer Center and a board member of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI); Hope Krebill of the Masonic Cancer Alliance; patient advocate Eric Morrow; and Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

The panel shared perspectives on how sustained federal investment in cancer research has driven advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship. Speakers emphasized that continued support for the NCI is essential to accelerate scientific discoveries, to expand access to clinical trials, and to bring new therapies to patients across the country. Federal funding through the NCI remains a cornerstone of the nation’s cancer research enterprise, supporting innovative research conducted at leading cancer centers and institutions nationwide. The panel also emphasized the importance of Congress as a partner in advancing cancer research not just through appropriations but also through legislation that removes the barriers to important cancer research.

During the briefing, he shared photos of UAB O’Neal Cancer Center’s Iron Strong Award recipients — patients honored each year for their participation in cancer clinical trials. The images illustrated the real-world impact of research and the critical role that patients play in advancing new cancer treatments and improving outcomes for future generations.

The One Voice Against Cancer coalition brings together more than 50 organizations representing cancer patients, survivors, researchers, physicians, and advocates to speak with a unified voice in support of robust federal funding for cancer research and prevention programs. The congressional briefing provided lawmakers and staff an opportunity to hear firsthand how federal investments in research continue to fuel progress against cancer and provide hope for patients and families across the nation.

Learn more about the O’Neal Cancer Center’s Iron Strong Awards on our website, here: https://www.onealcanceruab.org/oneal-iron-strong-awards/

Learn more about OVAC on their website, here: https://www.ovaconline.org/