The New York State Department of Health has marked World Breast Cancer Research Day on August 18, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address breast cancer through research, prevention, and education.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “Breast cancer research is essential to advancing our understanding of the disease, improving patient care and ultimately finding a cure. It also equips health care professionals to better inform the public about personal risk and treatment options. We commend and support the dedicated professionals working to deepen our knowledge and improve outcomes.”
The New York State Cancer Registry plays a key role in these efforts by collecting data on all cancer cases in the state. The registry participates in national programs such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, End Results and Epidemiology program. This collaboration allows for standardized information gathering that supports researchers, doctors, policymakers, and public health officials in monitoring trends, evaluating programs, and identifying areas for further study.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in New York State and is second only to lung cancer in terms of mortality. Each year, more than 17,000 new cases are diagnosed among women in New York, with approximately 2,400 deaths attributed to the disease annually. Although rare among men, about 160 males are diagnosed with breast cancer each year statewide.
Disparities persist within these statistics. Data indicate that Black women in New York experience higher rates of advanced-stage breast cancers compared to other groups. The Department reports that current studies are underway examining racial disparities not only in breast cancer but also uterine and ovarian cancers. These studies involve partnerships with researchers across the United States with an aim to improve outcomes for all patients.
The Cancer Registry is involved with initiatives like the Virtual Pooled Registry-Cancer Linkage System (VPR-CLS), which enables researchers to conduct multi-state linkage studies using central registry data for mapping cases and exploring possible causes.
To address awareness gaps and promote screening—especially among high-risk groups—the Department uses multimedia campaigns targeting Black women and women over age 40 through social media and television outreach. Community-based programs supported by the Department focus on education about breast cancer risks, facilitating access to screening services such as those provided by the New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP), which offers free screenings for eligible uninsured or underinsured residents.
Additional resources include Post-Treatment Support Services for Breast Cancer Survivors as well as a network of community cancer programs located throughout New York State.
Collaboration extends beyond government agencies through entities like the New York State Cancer Consortium—a network comprising nearly 400 organizations from both public and private sectors—which utilizes registry data to direct resources where they are most needed.
The Department also encourages residents to enroll in health coverage through NY State of Health (https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/) or by calling their hotline at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220) for information on financial assistance options that can help reduce medical costs related to cancer care.
Comprehensive information about breast cancer statistics is available via the New York State Cancer Registry (https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/cancer/registry/). Further details regarding screening guidelines, treatment options, educational materials, support services, and locations of community programs can be accessed on their official website (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/breast/).
