Declare Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 2638 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2020, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Breast cancer is a substantial public health problem in the United States and, as many recent studies point out, in New York State particularly; and WHEREAS, Although mortality rates have fallen as knowledge about the disease has increased, the number of breast cancer cases diagnosed each year still continues to rise; and WHEREAS, Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States; it is estimated that

232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2020, and nearly 40,000 women will die from the disease this year; more than new 64,640 cases of non-invasive breast cancer are also expected to occur among women this year; and WHEREAS, In addition, about 2,000 cases will be diagnosed in men this year and about 400 men will die from breast cancer in 2020 in the United States; and WHEREAS, New York State receives more research awards from the National Institutes of Health than any other state, except California; is home to an important and growing biotechnology industry; and has quality public and private academic and research institutions and superior health services institutions; and WHEREAS, Self breast-examinations and mammography are among the most effective and widely available methods of early detection of breast cancer; and WHEREAS, Several new and promising technologies are being developed to enhance the early detection of breast cancer, including: ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medi-photonics, new signal processing, and several kinds of digital computer-enhanced images; and WHEREAS, In addition to emerging detection and screening techniques, many new treatment technologies are being explored, ranging from bone marrow transplant procedures to new drug and hormone treatments; and WHEREAS, The knowledge and understanding of human genetics have advanced in the last decade, and with the identification of breast cancer genes, information that may eventually lead to better detection and treatment options may, however, raise many ethical questions; and WHEREAS, Members of statewide breast cancer organizations advocate for increased funding for breast cancer research, seek to promote community and legislative awareness of breast cancer issues, and seek to improve access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and care; and WHEREAS, Concerns about how environmental factors may be related to the cause and development of breast cancer helped change the role of women in the fight against breast cancer from inactive to proactive; and WHEREAS, The enactment of New York State's Breast Cancer/Pesticide Registry database law is aimed at finding the cause and hopefully a cure for this tragic killer; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to reaffirm its commitment to promote an environment that supports and encourages vigorous research activities, and the institutions engaged in those activities, to work toward the eradication of the disease; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to reaffirm its commitment to foster efforts directed at the advancement of detection, diagnostic, and treatment technologies for breast cancer; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to reaffirm its commitment to provide women and their families with the resources needed to address issues related to breast cancer, access to information, and opportunity to interact with medical experts, researchers, and other affected individuals and their families; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2020, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month 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.