Assembly Resolution No. 561

BY: M. of A. Solages

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2023, as Cancer Research Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and observe the importance of
cancer research to the residents of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, this Legislative Body is justly
proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2023, as
Cancer Research Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Cancer Research Month; and

WHEREAS, Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New York,
and it is estimated that 31,320 New York residents will die of cancer in
2023; and

WHEREAS, Research and new developments in cancer screenings and
treatment are helping patients live longer; and

WHEREAS, The number of people who have lived 5 or more years after
their cancer diagnosis is projected to increase by approximately 30
percent, to 16.3 million over the next decade; and

WHEREAS, May is National Cancer Research Month, a time to highlight
the vital role of research and development in the fight against cancer;
and

WHEREAS, Six of the top ten causes of cancer deaths in New York have
no recommended screening test; and

WHEREAS, Cancers detected when still localized can be treated more
effectively and have a five-year cancer-specific survival of
approximately 90 percent compared with approximately 20 percent for
cancers found after metastasis has occurred; and

WHEREAS, Several innovative private and academic efforts are engaged
in research, including advanced clinical trials to develop multi-cancer
early detection blood-based tests; and Whereas, Published data indicates
that these tests can screen for many cancers at the same time, including
rare cancers, with one example currently able to screen for more than 50
cancers; and

WHEREAS, Multi-cancer early detection tests can complement covered
early detection tests, and extend the benefits of early detection to
more cancers and more Americans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body commends the researchers and
scientists who have developed multi-cancer early detection tests, and
encourages increased access and coverage to these tests to reduce cancer
deaths in New York and across our nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.