Breast, Prostate and Testicular Cancer Research and Education Funding
The Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund was established by law in 1996 to support breast cancer research studies and education projects. The law also created an 11-member Health Research Science Board charged with reviewing projects proposed for funding and making recommendations to the Commissioner of Health.
Research and educational activities vying for funding are to focus on the causes, prevention, screening, treatment and cure of breast cancer.
The Fund is financed primarily by contributions made by individuals to a check-off on annual New York State personal income tax return forms. Taxpayers may donate funds from their overpayments or may increase their tax liability to make a donation. In addition, corporate tax return contributions, donations and partial proceeds from the sale of specialty "Drive for the Cure" license plates, are credited to the Fund. Proceeds from the Drive for the Cure license plates are equally divided among breast and testicular and prostate cancer research and education projects.
Fifty-four breast cancer projects, the bulk of them research oriented, have been funded and four new education contracts are nearing approval. Projects totaling over $3 million have been approved.
The Health Research Science Board also conducts activities related to studying the possible link of exposure to pesticides on breast cancer, including review of researcher applications for data from the Pesticide Registry maintained by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The proceeds designated for testicular and prostate cancer research and education from the "Drive for the Cure" license plate program will be used to print educational materials and implement a public awareness campaign.