Texas-based Healthcare Reform: Cancer Research

While much debate in Washington D.C. focuses on healthcare reform, affordability of health insurance and the cost to consumers; Texas has made an investment in one area of healthcare that impacts thousands of residents.

The "Texas on Top of Cancer Research Forum" on August 26 will showcase the state's leadership role in cancer research via the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

Cancer affects millions of Americans, and it is estimated that over 97,000 new cancer cases arose in Texas in 2008. North Texas alone accounted for almost one quarter of these cancer cases and is expected to see a 21% increase in the number of people with cancer over the next five years.[i] Moreover, cancer treatment and diagnosis costs Texas nearly $30 billion a year in direct and indirect expenses.[ii]

These startling statistics provided ample cause for the state to establish a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) just over a year ago. The Institute's mission is to invest in cutting-edge, Texas-based research in the field of cancer and to fund commercialization projects aimed to treat and prevent cancer. The Institute is making Texas a leading state for cancer research across the nation.

Leading this charge is Mr. William Gimson, the Executive Director of CPRIT. Mr. Gimson will visit Dallas and deliver an update on the Institute's activity during the Dallas Regional Chamber's "Texas on Top of Cancer Research" Forum on August 26.

A panel discussion on "Trends in Funding, Federal Programs and the Future" will feature experts from the Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Santé Ventures, and the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute.

The event will be held at the Adolphus Hotel (1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas) from
7:45 - 11:00 a.m.

To register, visit www.DallasTBC.org.

A special thank you to our event sponsors: Baylor Research Institute, the University of North Texas, and Jones Day. Additional sponsorship opportunities still available. For more information, please contact Jane Edson at jedson@dallaschamber.org or (214) 712-1937.