Early-Onset Cancers: Investigating Etiology, Mechanisms, and Early Detection Strategies (RP1 Clinical Trials Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 21, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions, academic medical centers, and eligible nonprofits investigating early-onset cancers. Applicants must have institutional affiliation and capacity to conduct NIH-level research. U.S. domestic organizations and certain international institutions are eligible.
Funded projects examine etiology, biological mechanisms, and early detection approaches for cancers occurring before typical age of onset. Both basic science and translational research are supported. Clinical trials are optional.
Individuals must hold appropriate research credentials or institutional appointments. Institutional review and compliance infrastructure is required. Prior NIH funding experience is strongly preferred.
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Key dates
- Oct 14, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
- Oct 11, 2029 Application deadline in 1085 days
Program description
Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications that investigate the etiology of sporadic non-hereditary early-onset cancers (EOCs: ages 18 to 49 years) and the underlying biological mechanisms that play a role in these cancers to inform prevention and control strategies. The proposed research is expected to advance the understanding of the unexplained rise of cancers in young adults. More specifically, studies should address one or more of the following: i) what modifiable exposures are driving the increase in the incidence of non-hereditary EOCs, and how do these factors vary by patient demographics? (ii) what biological mechanisms and host responses underly the increase in EOCs? and (iii) how can those at increased risk for developing EOCs be identified more effectively?
This NOFO consolidates exploratory/developmental and research project funding mechanisms to streamline the application process and sustain momentum in this critical research area. Applicants have the option of submitting either an exploratory/developmental research project with a project period of up to 2 years or a research project with a project period of 4 to 5 years.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Form
- Project Narrative and Specific Aims
- Research Strategy (Significance, Innovation, Approach)
- Biosketch for Key Personnel
- Budget Narrative and Budget Justification
- Institutional Support Letter
- Biosafety and IRB Documentation (if applicable)
- Letters of Collaboration
Program contact
- 👤 Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program
- 📧 ncidccpsegrpnofos@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 240-276-6932
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.113 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$200,640,187
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$49,744,439
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$34,621,574
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$33,491,440
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$32,769,976
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$32,623,202
-
$31,997,307
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$31,263,603
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$29,228,555
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$29,027,951
Top States by Funding
- NC 11 awards $374.6M
- NY 11 awards $190.4M
- CA 8 awards $121.7M
- MA 5 awards $53.1M
- WA 3 awards $49.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.113). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $445,816,844 | |
| 2025 | $465,862,818 | |
| 2026 est. | $40,301,265 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Research institutions, universities, and hospitals with institutional research infrastructure. Individual researchers must have an eligible institutional affiliation.
What research topics are supported?
Studies on etiology and mechanisms of early-onset cancers, biomarker discovery, and early detection strategies. Clinical trials are optional components.
What are typical funding ranges?
NIH R01-type grants typically range $250K-$500K annually. Funding depends on scope and budget justification.
How competitive is this program?
Very competitive. Strong preliminary data, clear innovation, and experienced research teams are essential. Success rates for NIH cancer research are typically 15-25%.
What is the application timeline?
Application opens March 10, 2026. Standard review period is 4-6 months after submission. Applicants should allow 8-12 weeks for institutional preparation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish strong preliminary data before applying. NIH reviewers expect convincing evidence of feasibility.
- Partner with institutional cores and collaborators. Multi-institutional teams strengthen competitiveness.
- Address health disparities in early-onset cancer populations. This strengthens alignment with NIH priorities.
- Use current cancer epidemiology data. Show why your target population matters and what gaps exist.
- Budget conservatively and justify every line item. Reviewers scrutinize costs closely in cancer research.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Insufficient preliminary data or weak feasibility evidence. Vague research aims without measurable outcomes. Poor alignment with NIH cancer research priorities and health equity goals.
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