Restore Cancer Research Funding in the State of New Jersey

There are currently over 14.5 million cancer survivors, thanks to advances in cancer research that have contributed to improved treatment and early detection of the disease. Cancer research is a field that needs to be fostered and encouraged if these breakthroughs necessary to save lives are to be discovered. For over 30 years, the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research, which is a subsidiary of the state's Dept. of Health, has encouraged new researchers in New Jersey by funding cancer research grants and fellowships.

Since 1983, the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research has been the only statewide institution that provides peer-reviewed scientific cancer research grants to all eligible institutions in New Jersey. This merit-based system has a strong track record of funding the best new scientists - those who engage in groundbreaking research.

The Commission's work is funded in part through the state budget: a $1 million allocation in the budget each year is used to fund cancer research grants. Unfortunately, for the sixth year in a row, Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget eliminates this funding. Fortunately, due to bi-partisan support from the state legislature, this allocation has been restored in two out of the last 5 budgets, including the current fiscal year.

Thanks to the legislature's restoration of funding this year, the Commission has once again funded over 20 cancer research fellowships to young scientists at academic institutions throughout New Jersey, including Rutgers and Princeton.