Senator Vin Gopal joined Assemblyman Dan Benson in introducing a bill to support ovarian cancer research on Thursday, July 26.

The bill (S2857) establishes the “New Jersey Ovarian Cancer Research Fund” and provides for a designation on the State gross income tax return that will permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund to support ovarian cancer research projects.

“Ovarian cancer affects more and more women in New Jersey each year,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “In order to combat this vicious and debilitating disease, we must concentrate our efforts and provide support for vital research. By establishing the New Jersey Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, we can provide residents with a simple and accessible way to support research in the hopes of finding a cure for ovarian cancer once and for all.”

Among women in the United States, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 680 new cases of ovarian cancer and 410 ovarian cancer related deaths are projected for New Jersey in 2017. The monies deposited into the “New Jersey Ovarian Cancer Research Fund” will provide additional resources in the fight against ovarian cancer as research leads to advances in diagnostics, treatments, and cures.

Taxpayer contributions will be provided to the “New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research,” which promotes significant and original research in New Jersey into the causes, prevention, treatment, and palliation of cancer and serves as a resource to providers and consumers of cancer services.