Grant opportunity

Early-Onset Cancers: Investigating Etiology, Mechanisms, and Early Detection Strategies (RP1 Clinical Trials Optional)

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 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 focus on one or more of the following: i) identifying what environmental or lifestyle exposures are driving the increase in the incidence of non-hereditary EOCs, and how these factors vary by patient demographics; ii) examining the biological mechanisms and host responses that underlie the increase in EOCs; and iii) identifying how those at increased risk of developing EOCs can be identified more effectively. In an effort to streamline the application process and sustain momentum in this critical research area, this NOFO supports both exploratory/developmental and standard research projects through a grant award instrument.

GrantHealth and Biomedical SciencesUnited StatesNational Institutes of HealthGrants.gov
Funder
National Institutes of Health
Applications close 2029-10-11
Applications close 2029-10-11: Oct 11, 2029
Award
See official notice
Applicant
Special district governments; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Independent school districts; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; State governments; County governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; City or township governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Small businesses
Discipline
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Region
United States
Posted
Oct 27, 2026

Call summary

Overview

Early-Onset Cancers: Investigating Etiology, Mechanisms, and Early Detection Strategies (RP1 Clinical Trials Optional) is an official Grants.gov notice published between 30 September and 27 October 2026. Opportunity number: PAR-28-014

Who can apply

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Special district governments; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Independent school districts; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; State governments; County governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; City or township governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Small businesses. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

What it supports

  • This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 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 focus on one or more of the following: i) identifying what environmental or lifestyle exposures are driving the increase in the incidence of non-hereditary EOCs, and how these factors vary by patient demographics; ii) examining the biological mechanisms and host responses that underlie the increase in EOCs; and iii) identifying how those at increased risk of developing EOCs can be identified more effectively. In an effort to streamline the application process and sustain momentum in this critical research area, this NOFO supports both exploratory/developmental and standard research projects through a grant award instrument.
  • Opportunity number: PAR-28-014

Funding and duration

  • Award ceiling: See official notice

Applications close 2029-10-11

Applications close 2029-10-11: Oct 11, 2029

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Call details

Source-based overview

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 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 focus on one or more of the following: i) identifying what environmental or lifestyle exposures are driving the increase in the incidence of non-hereditary EOCs, and how these factors vary by patient demographics; ii) examining the biological mechanisms and host responses that underlie the increase in EOCs; and iii) identifying how those at increased risk of developing EOCs can be identified more effectively. In an effort to streamline the application process and sustain momentum in this critical research area, this NOFO supports both exploratory/developmental and standard research projects through a grant award instrument. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity PAR-28-014.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Special district governments; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Independent school districts; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; State governments; County governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; City or township governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Small businesses. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: See official notice

Themes and supported activities

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 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 focus on one or more of the following: i) identifying what environmental or lifestyle exposures are driving the increase in the incidence of non-hereditary EOCs, and how these factors vary by patient demographics; ii) examining the biological mechanisms and host responses that underlie the increase in EOCs; and iii) identifying how those at increased risk of developing EOCs can be identified more effectively. In an effort to streamline the application process and sustain momentum in this critical research area, this NOFO supports both exploratory/developmental and standard research projects through a grant award instrument.

Opportunity number: PAR-28-014

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 2029-10-11: Applications close 2029-10-11: Oct 11, 2029.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.