STATEHOUSE – Legislation authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) to create new grant programs for pediatric and breast cancer research recently passed the Indiana legislature and now goes to the governor for consideration as a new law.
O’Brien said through House Enrolled Act 1453, both the Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment Grant Program and the Breast Cancer Research Fund would focus on providing grant funding for innovative research into novel forms of treatment.
“This legislation will help expand critical cancer research and treatment in Indiana,” O’Brien said. “By establishing a dedicated grant program, this new law would support innovation and improve outcomes for Hoosiers battling cancer, giving more families hope. I’m grateful for the strong bipartisan support in both chambers and look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law.”
According to the Indiana Department of Health, more than 300 new cases of pediatric cancer occurred each year in Hoosier children ages 0 to 19 between 2016 to 2020. Additionally, more than 30 children in Indiana died from cancer annually between 2016 to 2020.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 9,000 children in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14, and over 1,000 children under age 15 are expected to die from cancer in 2025.
O’Brien said by further funding pediatric and breast cancer research, novel therapies developed in Indiana could have an impact not only in our state, but could also lead to treatments used throughout the U.S.
House Enrolled Act 1453 passed the Indiana General Assembly unanimously. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
