INDIANAPOLIS – A new law co-authored by Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, creating new grant programs for pediatric and breast cancer research was recently ceremonially signed by the governor.
House Enrolled Act 1453, which went into effect July 1, creates the Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment Grant Program and the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Lauer said these programs will target grant funding toward researching novel cancer therapies and treatments, which could bring new discoveries and help save lives.
“We have world-class researchers and scientists in Indiana who are doing innovative work, studying and researching new ways to combat cancer,” Lauer said. “Through this new law, we can support their efforts to help those battling this terrible disease and make progress in the fight against cancer.”
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. 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.
In a 2022 fact sheet, the Indiana Department of Health states more than 5,000 Hoosiers were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, which was the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths.
Lauer said this research grant program could bring focus to these medical areas and make a positive impact on Hoosier families.
House Enrolled Act 1453 passed the Indiana General Assembly unanimously. To learn more about the new law and others, visit iga.in.gov.
