U of M to benefit from $300M plan to boost cancer research in FL

Between Florida's size and its senior population, cancer treatment is needed here more than in most other states. Yet Florida has only one facility — Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center — with the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation. According to the American Cancer Society, Florida ranks second in the nation in cancer incidence and mortality, but 15th in NCI grant funding. That could change under a proposal backed by Gov. Rick Scott and approved by the Legislature to spend $300 million over the next five years helping cancer centers at the University of Miami and University of Florida get NCI's stamp of approval. Moffitt will get the largest share of the money to help it grow and improve.