Budget Measures that Would Signal Cancer Prevention and Detection Is a Priority in New Jersey

ACS CAN highlights policies for Governor Murphy to include in his proposed 2023-24 Executive Budget that will save lives and prevent cancer diagnoses

TRENTON, NJ – FEBRUARY 27, 2023 – Governor Murphy is expected to release his 2023-24 Executive Budget tomorrow, setting the legislative and fiscal agenda for the year. In anticipation, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New Jersey Government Relations Director Jade Bechelli, released the following statement:

“In 2023, 56,150 New Jerseyans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer and around 15,230 will die from the disease. ACS CAN advocates for the following policies as the means by which Governor Murphy can make a dent in cancer incidence and mortality rates across our state.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

“In order to continue providing comprehensive outreach, education and screening services for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers to under- and uninsured New Jerseyans, funding for the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) Program should be kept at $5 million for 2023-24. Screenings save lives. NJCEED saves lives. The budget should reflect that.

Reducing the Toll of Tobacco

“Fact-based, statewide tobacco prevention and cessation programs equip people with the tools to stop using tobacco, communicating the health outcomes associated with tobacco products and dismantling the systemic disparities perpetuated by the tobacco industry. As Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for funding for tobacco prevention programs has never been greater. To increase the impact of these programs and amplify the resources available to reduce tobacco use in New Jersey, ACS CAN urges Governor Murphy to dedicate 3% of the cigarette tax revenue to such programs.

Cancer Research Funding

“For more than 30 years, the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR) has promoted significant and original research into causes, prevention, treatment and palliation of cancer and serves as a resource to providers and consumers of cancer services. Its budget should reflect the critical work being done in the cancer space. ACS CAN hopes that New Jersey maintains the NJCCR’s $4 million in funding for 2023-24.

“The 2023-24 Executive Budget presents Governor Murphy with an opportunity to signal to cancer patients, their providers and loved ones that New Jersey prioritizes policies that work to limit—and ultimately eliminate—suffering and death from the disease. By maintaining funding for key prevention, early detection and research initiatives and reducing the influence of tobacco on New Jerseyans, our state can reduce disparities in access to care, create healthier communities and prevent disease.”

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About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. 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 access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.