Multi-million dollar funding boost for pediatric cancer research

• Requires the National Cancer Advisory Board, which reviews and makes recommendations on research awards, to have at least on member who specializes in oncology.
• Supports research and outcomes addressing the physical and psychological needs of survivors.
• Expands existing efforts to utilize cancer databases compiled through clinical trials to allow for greater insight for researchers.

The bill was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, it now heads to the President's desk for final authorization.

So why is a bill like this so important?  According to the childhood cancer foundation,I Care, I Cure, "the incidence of childhood cancer is on the increase, averaging 0.6% increase per year since the mid 1970's resulting in an overall increase of 24% over the last 40 years."

Also, "for 2015, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) budget was $4.93 billion. It is anticipated that childhood cancer received 4% of that sum, or $198 million." I Care, I Cure.