Approximately $2 million has been contributed to Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Ovarian Cancer research awards by Georgians on their state tax returns since the start of the program in 2000. The Department of Revenue has informed the Coalition that $400,000 was raised by the contributions made in tax year 2006, representing another significant increase over the previous year.
The Coalition has awarded 50 grants from check-off donations exceeding $2 million. These Georgia cancer scientists are researching the prevention, treatments, and cures of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. In the competitive application process, proposals were reviewed and graded by a national panel of oncology experts. Grants are only awarded to the leading edge research rated as “outstanding” by the Review Committee. The awards are aligned with the National Cancer Institute's top research priorities and include studies of the mechanisms of cancer tumors' blood supply, inhibitors of tumor growth and metastasis, the interaction between cancer cells and molecular environment, protein profiles for early detection, and the feasibility of a new class of anti-cancer compounds.
Click here to view the flyer used to promote the “Check a Box & Give a Buck” campaign and encourage your friends and family members to fight cancer with research by contributing on their state income tax returns.