Current:Home > InvestBiden touts his 'cancer moonshot' on the anniversary of JFK's 'man on the moon' speech -Zenith Money Vision
Biden touts his 'cancer moonshot' on the anniversary of JFK's 'man on the moon' speech
View
Date:2025-04-13 00:46:20
It's been 60 years since President Kennedy delivered his iconic moonshot speech, marking a goal for America to launch a man into space to step foot on the moon, and bring him back to Earth.
On Monday, President Biden gave a speech at the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, outlining the progress on his own self-described moonshot: ending cancer.
"This cancer moonshot is one of the reasons why I ran for president," Biden said. "Cancer does not discriminate red and blue. It doesn't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat. Beating cancer is something we can do together."
Biden said cancer is often diagnosed too late, and said "there are too few ways to prevent it in the first place." He also added that there are stark inequities in cancer diagnosis and treatment based on race, disability, zip code, sexual orientation and gender identity.
"We know too little about why treatments work for some patients, but a different patient with the same disease, it doesn't work for. We still lack strategies in developing treatments for some cancers," he said, adding "we don't do enough to help patients and families navigate the cancer care system."
While Biden announced many of his cancer moonshot goals in February, in his speech Monday he laid out some updates.
Ahead of the speech, the White House announced that Dr. Renee Wegrzyn would be appointed the head of a new agency, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), the first ever person in the role. The agency was established by Biden in February to improve the U.S. government's ability to drive health and biomedical research.
"ARPA-H will have the singular purpose to drive breakthroughs to prevent, detect and treat diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes and other diseases and enable us to live healthier lives," Biden said.
Biden also announced he is signing a new executive order that launches a National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative, to help ensure that the technology that will help end cancer is made in America.
He said the creation of new technologies for cancer treatments and other things will create jobs and strengthen supply chains — and added that the U.S. then would not have to rely on anywhere else in the world for that advancement.
In February, Biden first announced his cancer moonshot goal of cutting cancer deaths in half in the next 25 years, and improving the experience of those living with and surviving cancer. At the time, he also announced the creation of a Cancer Cabinet that incorporated different corners of the government to work toward his goal.
Combatting cancer is an issue Biden has been tackling since his days as vice president and it's one that hits close to home for his own family, and Vice President Kamala Harris' as well. Biden's son, Beau Biden, died from brain cancer in 2015. And Harris' mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who was a breast cancer researcher, died from colon cancer in 2009.
veryGood! (87)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- The 2025 Grammy Nominations Are Finally Here
- Prince William Gets Candid on Brutal Year With Kate Middleton and King Charles' Cancer Diagnoses
- Chappell Roan admits she hasn't found 'a good mental health routine' amid sudden fame
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- California air regulators to vote on contentious climate program to cut emissions
- Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states and prompt investigations
- 'Jeopardy!' contestant says controversial sexist clue was 'a little uncomfortable'
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- $70,000 engagement ring must be returned after canceled wedding, Massachusetts high court rules
Ranking
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Ranked voting will determine the winner of Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
- Partial list of nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards
- These Chunky Chic Jewelry Styles From Frank Darling Are Fall’s Must-Have Fashion Staple to Wear on Repeat
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- Video captures mountain lion in Texas backyard; wildlife department confirms sighting
- NWSL playoff preview: Strengths, weaknesses, and X-factors for all eight teams
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico is set to reopen
Recommendation
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
The Colorado funeral home owners accused of letting 190 bodies decompose are set to plead guilty
Don Johnson Reveals Daughter Dakota Johnson's Penis Drawing Prank
Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky’s Daughter Alexia Engaged to Jake Zingerman
Average rate on 30
American Eagle’s Dropped Early Holiday Deals – Save Up to 50% on Everything, Styles Start at $7.99
Teachers in 2 Massachusetts school districts go on strike
College Football Playoff elimination games: Which teams desperately need Week 11 win?