Research, funding key to improving cancer treatment, healthcare
Lawmakers meet, tour with officials at Fox Chase Cancer Center
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus September 21, 2026 | 2:25 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 21 – After nearly 125 years devoted to caring for people with cancer, the Fox Chase Cancer Center–Temple Health highlighted how research had been and remains one of its greatest weapons in the fight against cancer. The PA House Majority Policy Committee and House Philadelphia Delegation co-hosted a roundtable and tour at the Philadelphia healthcare and research facility.
"Each one of us have been touched by cancer, be it personally or through family members or colleagues," Philadelphia Delegation Chairwoman Morgan Cephas said. “We all know the transformative care offered at Fox Chase, which is a bright light throughout the state. Unfortunately, we must also talk about what is happening to healthcare at the federal level, including the elimination of research funding, rising costs for patients and the looming rollback of Medicaid dollars."
Research funding cuts at the federal level followed an executive order in January 2025, which resulted in the end of thousands of grants — according to Grant Witness. The cuts are compounded by the Republican tax-and-spend plan, H.R. 1, which will slash $1 trillion from Medicaid.
"Behind every advance in cancer treatment is a scientist asking questions and researchers working toward the next breakthrough," said state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who serves as chairman of the Policy Committee and is a childhood cancer survivor. "Fox Chase has built a remarkable record of turning research into treatment, saving countless lives. We have a responsibility to understand that sustaining research is the best option in uncovering the next valuable tool in our fight against cancer."
Earlier this summer, U.S. News & World Report recognized Fox Chase Cancer Center as one of the nation's best hospitals in cancer care, including five key areas of high performance (colon cancer surgery; gynecological cancer surgery; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma treatment; lung cancer surgery; and prostate cancer surgery).
“Wherever I go, I explain I live and represent the people of Fox Chase. People immediately recognize the groundbreaking research that has happened here and the tremendous care that has helped countless patients,” Rep. Sean Dougherty said. “As we heard today, federal cuts could have devastating consequences for care throughout Pennsylvania.”
Founded in 1904 as one of the nation's first cancer hospitals, it has grown into the home for top clinicians and world-class research facilities. Dr. Baruch Blumberg earned the 1976 Nobel Prize for the development of the first FDA-approved vaccine for hepatitis B. Overall, Fox Chase scientists have earned two Nobel Prizes, a Kyoto Prize, and a Lasker Prize, and it ranks at the top in Pennsylvania for bladder and kidney cancer surgeries.
Nearly 90,000 patients visit the Fox Chase outpatient center and 100-bed facility each year.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found on the day of the hearing at Facebook.com/PADemPolicy.