LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2015 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 2015 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 this year 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 supe-
rior 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 in its deliber-
ations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2015
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 tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.