(a) The department shall conduct a program of epidemiological assessments of the incidence of cancer. The program shall encompass all areas of the state for which cancer incidence data are available. The program shall include the monitoring of cancers associated with suspected carcinogens encountered by the general public both in occupational locations and in the environment generally.
(b) The program shall be under the direction of the director, who may enter into contracts as are necessary for the conduct of the program and may accept, on behalf of the state, grants of public or private funds for the program. The director shall analyze available incidence data and prepare reports and perform studies as necessary to identify cancer hazards to the public health and their remedies.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that an appropriation be included in each Budget Act in an amount sufficient to provide for the annual cost of the program.