Declare Breast Cancer Awareness Day

October 13, 2017, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 13, 2017, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Thousands of families across New York State are affected by metastatic breast cancer; and WHEREAS, Much of the talk around breast cancer focuses on early detection and routine diagnosis, where we have seen tremendous progress in the last 30 years; and WHEREAS, The story for advanced disease is quite different; metastatic breast cancer patients continue to face many unique challenges, such as the emotional and physical demands of continual treatment; and WHEREAS, Currently, no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer will continue treatment indefinitely with the goal of extending the best quality life possible; and WHEREAS, More than one in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetimes; specifically in the State of New York, it is expected that 16,360 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017; more than 2,410 of those women are expected to lose their battle with metastatic breast cancer; and WHEREAS, Breast cancer can spread quickly and inexplicably, regardless of the treatment or preventative measures taken; nearly 30% of women diagnosed with early breast cancer eventually will develop metastatic breast cancer; this devastating stage of breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver and brain; and WHEREAS, This devastating disease affects all races and socioeconomic classes; although white women and black women both see the greatest incidents breast cancer, the mortality rate for African American women with breast cancer is 42 percent higher than in white women, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Hispanic women; and WHEREAS, The patient, family, health, and economic burdens of metastatic breast cancer are large; and WHEREAS, Metastatic breast cancer cuts short the lives of too many people in the State, leaving a lasting effect on their families; the median survival after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is approximately three years; and WHEREAS, Survival times vary greatly from person to person however and some research indicates that up to 40% of women will survive five years after such a diagnosis and possibly longer; metastatic breast cancer frequently involves trying multiple treatments and the patient usually fluctuates in and out of remission; and WHEREAS, A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted in 2014 revealed: more than 60% of respondents reported they know little to nothing about Metastatic Breast Cancer; and widespread misperceptions exist around the disease, including: 72% incorrectly believed that breast cancer in the advanced stages is curable if diagnosed early, and 50% incorrectly believed breast cancer progresses because patients either did not take the right treatment or preventative measures; and WHEREAS, While there have been treatment advances in metastatic breast cancer, many of those advances have benefitted a small subset of patients with specific types of metastatic breast cancer; and WHEREAS, Any discussions of breast cancer should include the spectrum from screening through metastatic breast cancer; and WHEREAS, While Metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, there is reason to be hopeful; extensive drug development efforts are underway to address this high unmet need; and WHEREAS, https://ClinicalTrials.gov is a searchable database which provides patients, family members and the public with information about current ongoing clinical research studies; and WHEREAS, Additional focus is needed on the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer, and the needs of the patient and promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments; and WHEREAS, There is still more research to be done for metastatic breast cancer so that new and more effective treatments can be developed; and WHEREAS, New York State will continue to push for critical research and advanced treatments for metastatic breast cancer; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is honored to participate in observation of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, and to shed light on the devastation metastatic breast cancer brings to communities throughout the State; and WHEREAS, Individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can speak with their physician to learn more about the disease; and WHEREAS, Individuals with metastatic breast cancer can find a support groups and services in their community or online; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 13, 2017, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.