Assembly Resolution No. 651

BY: M. of A. McDonald

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 13, 2017, 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, 2017, 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 2017;
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
metastatic 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
approximately 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 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
observation 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, 2017, 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
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.