Overview
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services appointed Dr. Harvey Risch, renowned Yale epidemiologist, as chairman of President Trump’s Cancer Panel on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Washington to refocus national cancer efforts.[4]
Key Developments
- Official announcement 10 AM ET HHS press room; Risch replaces prior chair amid moonshot review.[4]
- Panel advises on 1971 National Cancer Act implementation, targets prevention and treatment gaps.[4]
- Risch's expertise in epidemiology noted for data-driven reforms.[4]
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | $6.5B annual cancer budget scrutinized | Potential reallocation to high-impact trials |
| Political | Trump admin picks align with contrarian voices | Bipartisan support eyed for 2026 funding |
| Social | 1.9M new cases yearly in U.S. | Faster approvals for therapies promised |
Expert Reactions
HHS Secretary: 'Dr. Risch brings rigor to beat cancer.' Risch: 'Evidence over bureaucracy.'[4]
What's Next
First panel meeting Jan 15, 2026; annual report due spring.[4]