ACS CAN APPLAUDS HISTORIC NEW INVESTMENT IN CANCER RESEARCH INCLUDED IN NEW JERSEY BUDGET

Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Doubles New Jersey’s Investment in Cancer Research

Trenton – June 24, 2021 – Today, the New Jersey legislature approved a historic investment in cancer research as part of the 2021-22 state budget.  The new $2 Million investment in the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR) brings the total state investment in research through the NJCCR up to $4 Million in fiscal year 2021-22.

NJCCR promotes significant and original research in New Jersey into causes, prevention, treatment and palliation of cancer and serves as a resource to providers and consumers of cancer services. Throughout its more than 30-year history, the NJCCR has awarded over $40 million to over 800 peer reviewed cancer research grants and student fellowships. NJCCR is the only statewide institution that provides peer reviewed scientific cancer research grants to all eligible institutions in New Jersey, and this merit-based system has a strong track record of funding the best new scientists who engage in ground-breaking basic research.

The following statement can be attributed to Michael Davoli, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in New Jersey.

“State lawmakers play a critical role in supporting cancer control, research and surveillance. That’s why it is so important that Senator President Stephen Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and the state legislature championed this historic investment in cancer research.

“We have made significant improvements in the way we diagnose and treat cancer over the past two decades. Through scientific discovery, we have also learned how to reduce our cancer risk more effectively or prevent it altogether. State investments in cancer research like the one being approved by the Legislature not only will help reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths in New Jersey but also can also help drive economic activity in the state.”

###

About ACS CAN at 20

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.