HEALTHCARE
Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Doubles NJ ’ s Investment in Cancer Research
Compiled by Miles Z . Epstein Editor , COMMERCE
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 .
“ We have made significant improvements in the way we diagnose and treat cancer over the past two decades ,” says Michael Davoli , director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network ( ACS CAN ) in New Jersey . “ 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 help drive economic activity in the state .”
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
“ We have made significant improvements in the way we diagnose and treat cancer over the past two decades .”
access to quality affordable health care , and made workplaces , including restaurants and bars , smoke-free .
$ 750M Freestanding Cancer Hospital to Open in 2024
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey , the state ’ s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center , in partnership with the
New Brunswick Development Corporation ( DEVCO ), broke ground on the state ’ s first freestanding cancer hospital in June . At the ceremony , it was also announced that the 510,000-square-foot structure will be named the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in recognition of the philanthropic leadership of Jack Morris , who has been a longtime supporter and pillar in New Brunswick development , and his wife , Sheryl .
The 12-story facility , to be located on Somerset Street , will house inpatient , outpatient and ancillary services , as well as state-of-the-art laboratories where research faculty can provide hands-on educational opportunities for students , and enable physician-scientists to translate scientific findings directly to patients . The Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center will enable ease of access for imaging and other diagnostic tests , treatment and follow-up exams all in one space . It will also have the capacity to offer wellness and education resources including offerings catered specifically to the needs of cancer survivors . The estimated project cost is $ 750 million .
“ Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey together with RWJBarnabas Health already serves as a destination for advanced cancer treatments including clinical trials , stem cell transplantation , proton therapy and CAR T-cell therapy . This trailblazing facility will help us further our
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The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network ’ s Michael Davoli
RWJBarnabas Health President and CEO Barry H . Ostrowsky
Ihor Sawczuk , M . D ., FACS , chief research officer and president of the Northern Market for Hackensack Meridian Health
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