TAMPA — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that the state will make $60 million available through its Cancer Innovation Fund to support new research and treatments in the fight against cancer.
The Republican governor, joined by first lady Casey DeSantis and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo at a news conference in Tampa, said the funding aims to encourage innovative approaches to prevention and care, including a focus on nutrition and repurposed drugs.
“This year’s funding opportunity for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund is strengthening our fight against cancer and supporting patients,” DeSantis said, marking the announcement on World Cancer Research Day.
Applications for the grants open this week, with the money targeted at medical professionals and researchers working on breakthroughs in cancer treatment. DeSantis urged potential applicants to “be the difference maker” in advancing care for Floridians affected by the disease.
The first lady, a breast cancer survivor who has championed cancer initiatives, emphasized the fund’s role in fostering high-impact projects that could include studies on existing medications like ivermectin for potential cancer applications.
Florida established the Cancer Innovation Fund last year as part of broader efforts to address rising cancer rates in the state, which ranks second nationally in new diagnoses. This latest round brings total investments to more than $100 million, officials said.
DeSantis, who has positioned Florida as a leader in health innovation amid national debates over medical freedom, highlighted the grants as a way to drive progress without relying solely on federal funding.
Cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in Florida, with over 130,000 new cases expected this year, according to state health data.
