LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 13, 2016, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious illnesses that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 13, 2016, as Metastatic
Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of families across New York State are affected by
metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, Much of the talk around breast cancer focuses on early
detection and routine diagnosis, where we have seen tremendous progress
in the last 30 years; and
WHEREAS, The story for advanced disease is quite different; metastatic
breast cancer patients continue to face many unique challenges, such as
the emotional and physical demands of continual treatment; and
WHEREAS, Currently, no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer and
those with metastatic breast cancer will continue treatment indefinitely
with the goal of extending the best quality life possible; and
WHEREAS, More than one in eight women will be affected by breast
cancer in their lifetimes; specifically in the State of New York, it is
expected that 16,360 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016;
more than 2,410 of those women are expected to lose their battle with
metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, Breast cancer can spread quickly and inexplicably, regardless
of the treatment or preventative measures taken; nearly 30% of women
diagnosed with early breast cancer eventually will develop metastatic
breast cancer; this devastating stage of breast cancer occurs when
cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including
the bones, lungs, liver and brain; and
WHEREAS, This devastating disease affects all races and socioeconomic
classes; although white women and black women both see the greatest
incidents breast cancer, the mortality rate for African American women
with breast cancer is 42 percent higher than in white women, and breast
cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Hispanic women;
and
WHEREAS, The patient, family, health, and economic burdens of metas-
tatic breast cancer are large; and
WHEREAS, Metastatic breast cancer cuts short the lives of too many
people in the State, leaving a lasting effect on their families; the
median survival after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is approx-
imately three years; and
WHEREAS, Survival times vary greatly from person to person however and
some research indicates that up to 40% of women will survive five years
after such a diagnosis and possibly longer; metastatic breast cancer
frequently involves trying multiple treatments and the patient usually
fluctuates in and out of remission; and
WHEREAS, A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted as part of the launch
in 2014 revealed: more than 60% of respondents reported they know little
to nothing about Metastatic Breast Cancer; and widespread misperceptions
exist around the disease, including: 72% incorrectly believed that
breast cancer in the advanced stages is curable if diagnosed early, and
50% incorrectly believed breast cancer progresses because patients
either did not take the right treatment or preventative measures; and

WHEREAS, While there have been treatment advances in metastatic breast
cancer, many of those advances have benefitted a small subset of
patients with specific types of metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, Any discussions of breast cancer should include the spectrum
from screening through metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, While Metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, there is
reason to be hopeful; extensive drug development efforts are underway to
address this high unmet need; and
WHEREAS: https://ClinicalTrials.gov is a searchable database which
provides patients, family members and the public with information about
current ongoing clinical research studies; and
WHEREAS, Additional focus is needed on the personal and social burdens
of metastatic breast cancer, and the needs of the patient and promising
research efforts in the development of more effective treatments; and
WHEREAS, There is still more research to be done for metastatic breast
cancer so that new and more effective treatments can be developed; and
WHEREAS, New York State will continue to push for critical research
and advanced treatments for metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is honored to participate in observa-
tion of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, and to shed light on the
devastation metastatic breast cancer brings to communities throughout
the State; and
WHEREAS; Individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can speak
with their physician to learn more about the disease; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with metastatic breast cancer can find a support
groups and services in their community or online; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 13, 2016, as
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 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.