Unique Importance of the State of California
The tremendous racial and ethnic diversity of California, its long-term commitment to the collection of breast cancer data, and its commitment to funding breast cancer research, create a rich opportunity for the State to have a tremendous impact on both the eradication of breast cancer and the reduction of racial and ethnic disparities.
California is a populous State with a diverse population. In addition to geography (urban vs. rural), California is also diverse by race, culture, class, age and environmental factors. It is especially the presence of so many, large, racial and ethnic communities that makes California such a rich resource for research.
Second, the California's State Legislature has been supportive by passing and funding legislation to support breast cancer research. As early as 1985, the California Legislature passed a State Law establishing the California Cancer Registry, which was created in 1988. In addition, the entire State participates in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's SEER data program.14, 15
Third, both the leadership and other California citizens seem committed to not only reducing cancer disparities among selected populations, but also to reducing the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer among all State residents. Evidence for this began in 1995 with the annual funding for the California Breast Cancer Research Program, the largest state-funded (from tobacco tax) breast cancer research program in the country, and in the identification of the California Breast Cancer Research Program as the number one nonprofit organization identified for a voluntary donation by State taxpayers.
