TRENTON – Legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny, Jr., to extend the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program’s coverage to provide treatment for colorectal and prostate cancers was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.
“Cancer ranks second only to heart disease as a leading cause of death in the United States and that is why early detection and proper treatment are so important,” said Senator Kenny, D-Hudson. “This bill will help fund a truly comprehensive cancer program that encompasses the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers. By taking a proactive role and extending the coverage that NJCEED provides, we can save lives and improve the quality of life for those in New Jersey.”
The bill, S-2444, would appropriate $450,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to fund the cost of providing treatment for colorectal and prostate cancer as part of the NJCEED.
According to Senator Kenny, “NJCEED currently provides comprehensive outreach, education and screening services for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers to those who are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and are uninsured or under-insured.
“NJCEED has been monumental in providing life-saving care to women with breast and cervical cancer and we must expand its coverage to more residents by including screenings and treatment for colon, rectum and prostate cancers,” said Senator Kenny. “The NJCEED program is in need of funding, in order to provide greater access to treatment of colorectal and prostate cancers. This measure will go a long way in saving the lives of many in this State.”
Senator Kenny noted that, “As a cancer survivor, I know first hand that early detection is key. This bill will provide the needed funding to ensure that more New Jerseyans who may not have been able to afford health care on their own get the necessary check ups and treatments to increase the likelihood of a long and healthy life.”
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
