(Long Island, NY) The Senate Democratic Conference today reminded New York women to get checked for breast cancer as early detection can help save lives. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn more about this disease, especially how to detect it and what resources are available for New Yorkers combating breast cancer, survivors and their loved ones. The Senate Democrats have been outspoken supporters of women’s health organizations and efforts to increase funding and services to combat breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women and more must be done to educate New Yorkers about the need for early detection and treatment,” Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “Greater awareness about breast cancer and the treatment services available are the best ways to combat this disease. The Senate Democrats have helped lead the fight to ensure our state provides services and support to New Yorkers struggling with breast cancer and its aftermath.”
Senate Health Committee Ranker, Senator Gustavo Rivera, said, “Thousands of New Yorkers, both women and men, are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of taking preventive measures. The reality is that screenings can be the difference between life and death, making early detection our greatest tool in the fight against breast cancer. I am proud to join my colleagues in the New York State Senate Democratic Conference in spreading awareness and working to secure additional resources to combat breast cancer in New York State.”
The Senate Democrats have helped lead the fight to increase state aid for cancer screenings, treatment programs and support services. That is why the Senate Democrats have been outspoken on the need to raise awareness about breast cancer and support organizations like Planned Parenthood which provide women with health care services, cancer screenings and referral services. Senate Democrats have also advanced legislation that will require insurance companies to cover the cost for follow-up ultrasounds; increase the annual leave time for state employees for cancer screenings and create a “pink ribbon” license plate with which could raise almost $1 million annually to aid in breast cancer education and research.
In New York State, there are approximately 14,000 new breast cancer cases each year and 2,800 women die from this disease annually. While breast cancer survival rates have increased in past decades, this is largely due to greater emphasis placed on early detection and treatment. To find more information about support programs and free cancer screening in your community, please visit: www.health.ny.gov/cancerservicesprogram or call the New York State Department of Health Cancer Services Program at 1-866-422-CANCER (2262).
