AUSTIN, Texas – A growing majority of Texas voters say it is more important to continue funding cancer research and prevention work than to save taxpayer dollars, according to a December 2016 statewide survey commissioned by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) will lose its state funding in 2021, unless the State Legislature decides to extend it. When asked whether they favor funding CPRIT beyond 2021 or ending the program to save tax dollars, 74 percent of voters said it was more important to continue the program. This demonstrates a 4-point increase in support since a similar poll was conducted in 2014.
ACS CAN Government Relations Director Cam Scott issued the following statement:
“There are few issues that unite voter opinion in Texas like the desire for our state to remain at the forefront of the fight against cancer and to maintain the work of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas — an overwhelming 89 percent of our respondents said it is important that Texas remains a leader in cancer research.
“Because of CPRIT, many Texans are beginning to reap the benefits of new treatments and clinical trials close to home, as well as life-saving cancer screenings and preventive services. In just the last six years, CPRIT has provided more than 3 million prevention services across every county in the state.
“The Lone Star State’s unique program is accelerating cancer research and prevention, recruiting 113 outstanding researchers and supporting the work of 30 core facilities to ensure investigators have access to technology vital to ending cancer. This life-saving work has also been a boon to our economy, creating more than 79,000 jobs and generating nearly $8 billion in business activity.
“With 116,200 Texans estimated to receive a cancer diagnosis this year, it is critical that the state maintains this momentum to end cancer. It is an all-too common enemy that necessitates a sustained response from our elected leaders.”
Public Opinion Strategies conducted a statewide phone survey of 800 registered voters in Texas from Dec. 10-13, 2016. Forty-four percent of survey respondents identified as Republican, and 37 percent identified as Democrat. Margin of error is +/- 3.46 percent. The poll can be viewed here.
