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Trump Appoints Controversial Figure to Lead Cancer Panel

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Dr. Harvey Risch, a Yale professor emeritus, as chair of the President's Cancer Panel.
Critics warn the move could undermine cancer research by injecting pseudoscience into the National Cancer Program.
The Department of Health and Human Services says Risch is dedicated to cancer research.
Risch has promoted hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for COVID-19 and speculated about a link between COVID-19 vaccines and "turbo cancer" in young people.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Dr. Harvey Risch, a Yale professor emeritus, as chair of the President's Cancer Panel.
Critics warn the move could undermine cancer research by injecting pseudoscience into the National Cancer Program.
The Department of Health and Human Services says Risch is dedicated to cancer research.
Risch has promoted hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for COVID-19 and speculated about a link between COVID-19 vaccines and "turbo cancer" in young people.