Breast cancer affects thousands of people in every community across the state. It is a battle that can take an enormous physical, psychological and financial toll on families and individuals. Getting screened for early detection of breast cancer is often the first and most important step to beating the disease. That’s why I cosponsored and helped pass a new law to help make screenings more accessible and affordable so that everyone has access to lifesaving resources and services, regardless of income or work schedule.

The new breast cancer screening action plan, “Get Screened, No Excuses,” extends screening hours at 210 hospitals and clinics statewide so people who work full time have more flexibility when scheduling mammograms. Additionally, the law eliminates annual deductibles, co-payments and cost-sharing payments for all screenings and diagnostic imaging for detection of breast cancer, including diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and MRIs.

The measure also includes a public awareness campaign in low-income and underserved communities to promote the importance of mammograms. Ten mobile mammography vans will be dispatched to every region across the state to administer screenings locally and community outreach programs will be established to link those diagnosed with breast cancer to support services.

The law also ensures that all public employees are granted four hours of leave each year to get screened. Although breast cancer predominately affects women – 15,000 cases are reported each year in New York – men can get the disease and are also encouraged to get screened. ¹

Providing the resources our families need to stay healthy is imperative to helping foster stronger communities. I’ll keep fighting to ensure that every New Yorker has the health care they deserve and will continue to support public education initiatives that help keep our communities informed and our loved ones safe. Encourage the women in your life to “Get Screened, No Excuses,” because it can truly save lives.

Information about breast cancer screenings and support services is available through the New York cancer hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-442-CANCER (2262). For more information on statewide screening programs, please visit www.ny.gov/getscreened.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this or another community issue at 315-452-1115 or via email at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.

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