in 1967, the division of regional medical programs was created to administer grants for research for heart disease, cancer, and strokes. that same year, the nih director lobbied the white house for increased federal funding in order to increase research and the speed with which health benefits could be brought to the people. an advisory committee was formed to oversee the further development of the nih and its research programs. by 1971 cancer research was in full force and president nixon signed the national cancer act, initiating a national cancer program, president's cancer panel, national cancer advisory board, and 15 new research, training, and demonstration centers.[14]