Senator Sanders Applauds Governor Cuomo For Signing Legislation To Expand Breast Cancer Screening

Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) commends Governor Cuomo for signing legislation to expand breast cancer screening. Under the new law, hospitals and clinics across the state will be required to offer screening for at least four hours per week to help women who have difficulty scheduling mammograms during normal business hours.

These extended hours include 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays as well as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. In addition, all annual deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance payments will be eliminated, ensuring the tests are free. Finally, New York City public employees will be allowed four hours of leave each year for breast cancer screening.
 
"We have taken an important step to promote a more healthy New York," Sanders said. "Women over 40 should be screened for breast cancer every year, so it is imperative that testing is free and offered beyond regular work hours."
 
On Thursday, June 30, the Healthcare Education Project and local leaders held a press conference outside the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center in Jamaica to raise awareness. Dr. Marjorie Hill of the center, supported by area elected officials, spoke about the importance of this legislation, while breast cancer survivors such as Agnes Fortune shared their emotional stories.
 
The governor is describing this effort as the most aggressive action in the nation to improve access to breast cancer screening.