Cancer research is typically invested in by a number of different individuals, groups or organizations worldwide in the hopes of developing both treatment and cure for the disease. The state of California, for instance, has reportedly invested $10-12 million in direct cancer research annually, while the National Cancer Institute (NCI) within the United States has reportedly spend $4.8 to $5.2 billion per annum on cancer research and treatment development.

Using the NCI as an example for cancer research and how money is allocated, according to their fact sheet breast cancer is the primary investment target for most funds and received $572.6 million in 2008 alone. The runner up following this was prostate cancer, receiving $285.4 million, with colorectal cancer coming in third at $273.7 million. The cancer receiving the least allocated funds is actually uterine cancer, being granted only $17.1 million in 2008. While current figures may vary slightly this general allocation of funds has remained the same for some years and is expected to continue as such in the future.

While a large number of funds are gathered through support groups and fund raising drives throughout the world the primary source of most research comes from major organizations and governments that allocate funds specifically to the cancer research and cure drive. This has led many government based organization such as the NCI being established around the world in order to support private research developments and coordinate ongoing efforts between research professionals on a regular basis.

Since most major organizations spearheading research are government based the fund allocation is determined by regular budget proposals submitted for review on a monthly and yearly basis in order to be considered and have funds attributed accordingly. This is generally done withing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is adjusted accordingly depending upon both individual and group research needs. The OMB, while working to support all cancer research, also strives to ensure that money is allocated where funds are needed most in order to ensure proper support and prevent unnecessary expenditures that may actually harm the overall cancer research process.

The amount of funds spent yearly on cancer research is something of a point of contention in the political world, for while billions are allocated yearly to the research and fighting of cancer far more money is spent elsewhere that many people feel is unnecessary in comparison. The arguments over foreign policy and the billions spent abroad aside California’s contribution of $10-$12 million, for instance, is seen as a drop in the pot when compared to the fact that many sports players within the state refuse to even play a game for a team unless paid at least twice that amount.

Regardless the funds being generated each year are carefully calculated and increasing funds are being generated yearly as cancer awareness increases and both private and public organizations work closely together to help fight against the ever growing cancer trend. Though projections for 2010 are still difficult to determine it is likely that the amount of funds for cancer research will continue to grow to help the over 1.2 million people that are diagnosed with cancer each year and help save the nearly 600,000 people that die annually in the US alone from cancer afflictions.