Cancer Research Investment

Indicator definition

Cancer site–specific research funding estimates for breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers in 2013. The indicator compares funding allocations for the four most common cancers with the relative burden of these cancers in terms of incidence and mortality. Results are reported by cancer site.

Measured since

The 2012 Cancer System Performance Report.

Update frequency

Every two years

Why measure this?

Adequate funding of research activity for various types of cancer is essential to a successful research environment, which can lead to better ways to prevent, diagnosis and treat cancer, as well as to improved outcomes for patients and survivors. Measuring disease site–specific research investment can help to identify gaps in funding and inform efforts to achieve better balance in cancer research investment.

What are the key findings?

• In 2013, half (50.8%) of cancer research investment was allocated to breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers; the percentage of cancer research investment ranged from 5.9% for lung cancer to 25.7% for breast cancer (Figure 6.6).
• Of the four most common cancers, breast cancer had the second lowest mortality rate (6.9%) (Figure 6.6) but the greatest research investment ($74 million) (data not shown). In contrast, lung cancer had the highest mortality rate (26.5%) (Figure 6.6) but the smallest research investment ($17 million) (data not shown).