Cuomo orders cancer studies
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. » Gov. Andrew Cuomo, during a Wednesday visit to Glens Falls, announced a $500,000 new initiative to examine trends and potential causes of cancer.
Warren County is one of four areas of New York state that have a higher rate of certain types of cancers.
Cancer is the state’s second leading cause of death behind heart disease. Each year, nearly 110,000 New Yorkers learn they have this disease, and around 35,000 die from it. This new datadriven effort will help identify the reasons for higher rates of cancer in certain regions and help develop the most effective programs to prevent and treat it.
“A cancer diagnosis is the last thing anyone wants to hear from their doctor, and in order for New York to continue providing the very best care to help stomp out this deadly disease, we need to invest in necessary research and development to improve the way provide care,” Cuomo said. “The ongoing battle against cancer is a global challenge that will only be addressed by bringing top-notch medical experts and institutions together to find a solution. This investment and statewide study will open doors to new developments and shine light on what New Yorkers can do to improve the health and well-being of themselves and their families, as we continue work to work toward a stronger, healthier New York for all.”
Other areas targeted for study are in western New York and two regions downstate. Results are expected to be announced within one year.
The New York State Cancer Registry collects reports on cancer diagnoses from health care providers, which include the anatomical sites of tumors, the stages at diagnosis, the cell types of the cancer, as well as the treatment infor-
mation and demographic information of those diagnosed with cancer. Using this registry, the state Health Department identified places, including Warren County, with the highest cancer rates in New York state.
The new initiative will focus on these areas.
The Health Department will review cancer data, potential demographic and occupational factors, and consult with the state Department of Environmental Conservation on possible factors contributing to cancer.
As part of the review, Health Department officials will look within and around counties that have higher rates of cancer and to detect patterns related to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, or occupational factors.
In addition, the DEC will inventory potential environmental threats in those communities. The agencies will collaborate on further evaluation, mapping, and data mining.
The Health Department will use results of this initiative to enhance community screening and prevention efforts and support access to appropriate highquality health care services in communities across the state identified as having high rates of cancer.
While the number of cancer diagnoses per year in New York have been rising, deaths from the most common types of cancer, including lung, prostate, female breast and colorectal cancers, have been steadily decreasing. Increased access to cancer screenings leading to early detection and treatment means more diagnoses and fewer deaths.
The Health Department regularly conducts cancer incidence investigations to determine the difference between the actual number of cancer cases and the number of cases that would be statistically expected in any area. When the actual number of cases is higher than the expected cases number, after assuming necessary factors, the type of further investigation supported by this initiative is warranted.
“Cancer is a scourge in our communities that has taken the lives of too many New Yorkers, including our friends and loved ones,” said state Sen. Betty Little, R-Glens Falls, in a statement. “Governor Cuomo’s visit here is clearly indicative of his understanding that the safety and health of our communities is the top priority.“
For more information go to: For additional data and information on cancer in New York state, visit: www.health.ny.gov/ statistics/cancer/registry/ pdf/snapshot.pdf.