Supporting The California Cancer Research Act

Feb 28, 2011 by Brooke McMillan

6 Comments

• Tweet

Lance will be attending a kick-off media event and steering committee meeting for the California Cancer Research Act Campaign today in Los Angeles, CA. Lance has been asked to co-chair and will meet with some of the brightest minds in cancer research this afternoon.

The California Cancer Research Act (CCRA) is a statewide ballot initiative in California that, if passed, would fund research in the state on cancer and other tobacco-related diseases as well as tobacco prevention and cessation programs by imposing a $1 per pack state tax on cigarettes. The measure is expected to generate approximately $855 million in first year. As cancer funding faces budget challenges at the National Institute of Health, state biomedical research initiatives have become increasingly important.

The California Cancer Research Act shares much in common with Texas’ Proposition 15 and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). This measure was overwhelmingly approved by Texas voters in 2007. CPRIT has funded 230 awards for cancer research, commercialization, and prevention since 2010. The total amount awarded thus far is $269 million. Together with matching funds obligated by grant recipients, more than $350 million has been invested in Texas’ extraordinary endeavor to change the face of cancer.

Facts about Cancer in California
? There are 1.2 million cancer survivors living in California today.
? This year alone, more than 140,000 Californians will be diagnosed with cancer (16 cases every hour).
? More than 54,000 will die from cancer this year.

Stay tuned for more information about the CCRA and opportunities to get involved in California.