Commentary: Texas Has a Secret Weapon Against Cancer

Cancer is the No. 2 cause of death in Texas and across the United States. The good news is that things change, and we can be active agents in making sure that they change for the better. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) was established by a voter-supported constitutional amendment in 2007. It is a unique Texas resource, and is now second only to the National Institutes of Health in overall cancer research funding. On Nov. 5, voters will have the opportunity to extend CPRIT's important work for an additional 10 years and $3 billion. If approved, Texas will continue to lead the nation and the world in the fight against cancer. If the new funding is not approved, far too much of this important work will end. Reauthorization of CPRIT would do more than keep the ball rolling; it would save lives.