Florida is accepting applications for $60 million in grants to be distributed through its Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday.

“We can be the difference maker,” the governor said as he called for researchers and innovators to apply for funding.

DeSantis and his wife, Casey, spoke on Wednesday at a news conference at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa about the need for more cancer research and innovation, and said this year’s grants will focus on prevention, particularly through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

The governor said about 40% of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, including nutrition.

DeSantis’ figure appeared to reference a 2024 American Cancer Society study that said ab

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