The representatives heard, in full detail, the proposal asking that 25 percent of the settlement money be spent on cancer research. The seven cancer centers include in the plan include Fox Chase Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, The Wistar Institute, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, and Penn State Geisinger Cancer Center. Cancer incidence and deaths from this disease will be a continuing and significant assault on the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has estimated that, over the next 10 years, more than 700,000 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with cancer. More than 300,000 will die unless there are immediate and notable improvements in prevention research and cancer treatment.
Research saves lives.
We are already held to this kind of accountability for grants and other money. The Cancer Centers' proposal was introduced to Governor Tom Ridge in December. Other states have also recognized the importance of using funds from a tobacco settlement to build on existing cancer research capabilities. Settlements in both Texas and Florida, which provided significant support for their cancer centers, proved to minimize administrative costs and maximize their investment in cancer research. These states also recognized the economic importance of strengthening their biomedical research programs.