The research conducted through these grants helps give those affected by breast and cervical cancer not only hope, but a real chance to successfully overcome cancer. The Department of Health's Cancer Control Program oversees the grants and works with the Pennsylvania Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Board's Income Tax Check-Off Committee to determine how to award each year's grants. In 1999, Gov. Ridge and Mrs. Ridge announced the first year's grant recipients at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Mrs. Ridge and Secretary Zimmerman thanked all cancer researchers for their important work and urged Pennsylvania taxpayers to consider donating all or a portion of their state income-tax refund or making a direct contribution to the Department of Health. Approximately 12,000 Pennsylvanians are diagnosed each year with breast and cervical cancer.
Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among Pennsylvanian women.
The Ridge Administration supports several other programs to assist women in their fight against breast and cervical cancer. In 1997, Gov. Ridge signed a law guaranteeing insurance coverage for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction up to six years after surgery. Gov. Ridge chairs the National Dialogue on Cancer's State Governors' Initiative. The dialogue aims to decrease the incidence of cancer and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. Under Gov. Ridge's leadership, the State Governors' Initiative created a national clearinghouse of best practices to combat cancer.