Introduction
In 1993, the California Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, the Breast Cancer Act and enabling legislation (AB 2055 and AB 478), which established the Breast Cancer Research Program and the Breast Cancer Control Program, both funded with the revenue from an increase in the State tobacco tax. Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman authored these bills, as well as AB 3391 in 1994, which amended them.
The new tax revenue began being collected on January 1, 1994. Fifty per cent is allocated to fund early breast cancer detection services for uninsured and underinsured women through the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program (BCEDP) administered by the State Department of Health Services. Forty-five per cent is allocated to fund research on the cause, cure, treatment, early detection, and prevention of breast cancer through the Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP). The remaining five per cent of the new tobacco tax revenue is allocated to the California Cancer Registry, which collects statewide data on cancer rates and deaths and compiles the statewide statistics on cancer in California.
The overall objectives, strategies and priorities of the CBCRP are set by the Breast Cancer Research Council, which includes 16 members: 5 members from breast cancer survivor/advocacy groups, 5 scientist/clinicians, 2 members from non-profit health organizations, 1 practicing breast cancer medical specialist, 2 members from private industry and 1 ex officio member from the Breast Cancer Control Program. These members are appointed by the University of California, based upon recommendations from the Council and individual and organizational Program stakeholders. Members serve for a term of three years without compensation, and are prohibited from seeking funding from the Program while on the Council. The Council actively participates in the overall management of the Program and makes final recommendations on which research grants should be funded based on the established priorities and the scientific merit of the proposals as determined by peer review panels.
The enabling legislation directed the University of California to establish and administer the Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP). The President of the University of California assigned specific responsibility for establishing and managing CBCRP to the Vice President-Health Affairs, Cornelius L. Hopper, M.D.
Grants are awarded to public, private or non-profit agencies, organizations, or individuals in California for research to be conducted in the state.
AB 2055 of 1993, the enabling legislation for the Breast Cancer Research Program, requests the University of California to transmit annually a report to the Legislature on grants made, grants in progress, program accomplishments, and future program directions. The report is to include:
- The number and dollar amounts of research grants, including the amount allocated to indirect costs.
- The subject of research grants.
- The relationship between federal and state funding for breast cancer research.
- The relationship between each project and the overall strategy of the research program.
- A summary of research findings including discussion of promising new areas.
- The institutions and campuses receiving grant awards.
This report contains the requested information, with the exception of number 5, which is not addressed in this report because the first cycle of research projects have just commenced in this year. Future reports will contain information on the research findings which arise as these projects progress.
