RCCA Gives Recognition to Governor Christie with 2013 Leadership Award

HACKENSACK, N.J., July 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation's largest Oncology physician networks, presented Governor Chris Christie with the 2013 Leadership Award during a ceremony on Tuesday, July 2 at the John Theurer Cancer Center at HackensackUMC.  The award honored the Governor for his contributions in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130703/NY42756 )

"Increasing access to high-quality cancer treatment services for New Jerseyans has been a top priority of my Administration," said Governor Christie. "The John Theurer Cancer Center at HackensackUMC is one of the nation's top centers for cancer care and has provided extraordinary treatment to countless New Jersey residents living with cancer. I am honored to receive this award and accept it on behalf of the real heroes in the fight against cancer - our residents with cancer and their families, who every day face the physical and emotional pain that this disease brings. I am proud of the work our state has done in the fight to eradicate cancer and I vow to continue fighting to defeat cancer in New Jersey."

"Governor Christie's accomplishments in the prevention and treatment of cancer have enabled thousands of cancer patients to gain greater access to treatment and care," said Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., President of Regional Cancer Care Associates, Chief Innovations Officer, Professor, and Vice President of Cancer Services, John Theurer Cancer Center. "John Theurer Cancer Center is an award-winning cancer center with innovative collaborations including our affiliation with RCCA and Georgetown University, which allows us to continue to advance the field and improve patient outcomes."

Among the nation's top 50 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals for cancer – the highest-ranked in New Jersey with this designation – the John Theurer Cancer Center's annual Leadership Award recognizes public officials for their efforts in the fight to eradicate cancer.  Governor Christie's support has included funding for the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (NJCEED) and legislation expanding health insurance coverage for oral cancer drugs.

"As both a regional and national leader in cancer care, John Theurer Cancer Center applauds Governor Christie's actions to improve prevention, screening and treatments for cancer," said Andre Goy M.D., M.S., Chief Science Officer and Director of Research and Innovation of Regional Cancer Care Associates and Chairman, Director  and Chief of Lymphoma, John Theurer Cancer Center. "Support from our elected officials is instrumental to ensure patient access to innovative treatments and we are pleased to honor Governor Christie with this award."

This year, under Governor Christie's leadership, the NJCEED program budget was increased $3.5 million to $12 million in the current fiscal year. Over the last five years, the program has helped 42,000 women and provided more than 67,800 mammograms. The increased funding will provide screening for an additional 4,800 women. NJCEED provides comprehensive outreach, education and screening services for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers.¹

As a result of Governors Christie's legislative efforts, New Jersey cancer patients will get the same health insurance coverage for oral cancer drugs sold as prescription medications and taken in their own home as opposed to chemotherapy drugs delivered intravenously at healthcare facilities.  The legislation was supported by the American Cancer Society officials from New York and New Jersey who recognize that oral drugs are the wave of the future in cancer care and offer patients distinct advantages over traditional intravenous chemotherapy, including the fact that they are targeted therapies which attack only the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells alone.²

¹ http://www.state.nj.us/health/news/2013/approved/20130404a.html

² http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0117/2215/

About Regional Cancer Care Associates LLC (RCCA)

Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the largest oncology physician networks in the US, is transforming oncology care by ensuring patients and their caregivers are an active part of the treatment team in all aspects of the management of their disease in a way that is life-enriching and respectful.

Regional Cancer Care Associates extends across New Jersey with more than 90 cancer care specialists, growing to include more than 100, and is supported by 700 employees at 27 care delivery sites, providing care to more than 20,000 new patients annually and over 230,000 existing patients. RCCA takes responsibility to ensure access to the highest quality, compassionate and cutting-edge cancer care for its patients while controlling the cost of this care. For more information visit: www.regionalcancercare.org

About John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is among the nation's top 50 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals for cancer – the highest-ranked in New Jersey with this designation. It is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive cancer center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, preventive care, as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer.

Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. The 14 specialized divisions feature a team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. John Theurer Cancer Center provides comprehensive multidisciplinary care, state of the art technology, access to clinical trials, compassionate care and medical expertise—all under one roof. Physicians at John Theurer Cancer Center are members of Regional Cancer Care Associates one of the nation's largest professional hematology/oncology groups. For more information please visit jtcancercenter.org.

Media Contact:
Bryan Soltes
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201-996-4323

SOURCE Regional Cancer Care Associates