Assembly Resolution No. 1580

BY: M. of A. Rules (Bronson)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 2026, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing public
health challenges facing women and families in the United States and the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting
American women, with an estimated 321,910 new cases of invasive breast
cancer and 60,730 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) expected
to be diagnosed in women in 2026; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 2,670 new cases of breast cancer are expected
to be diagnosed in men in 2026, and an estimated 42,140 women and 530
men are projected to die from the disease this year; and

WHEREAS, Breast cancer incidence has continued to rise by
approximately one percent annually from 2012 through 2021, with an even
steeper increase observed among women under the age of 50; and

WHEREAS, Despite the continued rise in incidence, mortality rates
have declined steadily since 1989, falling by 44 percent overall and
resulting in nearly 518,000 fewer breast cancer deaths nationwide due to
advances in treatment and earlier detection through screening; and

WHEREAS, Self-examination and mammography remain among the most
widely available and effective tools for early detection, while emerging
technologies including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
digital imaging, and advanced signal processing methods continue to
improve diagnostic capabilities; and

WHEREAS, Significant advances in treatment, including novel drug
therapies, hormone therapies, and bone marrow transplant procedures,
have improved patient outcomes and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Continued progress in genetic research, including the
identification of genes associated with breast cancer risk, offers
additional promise for prevention and treatment while underscoring the
importance of thoughtful ethical considerations; and

WHEREAS, The five-year relative survival rate for women with
invasive breast cancer is approximately 91 percent, and the ten-year
relative survival rate is approximately 84 percent, while the five-year
survival rate for localized disease is 99 percent, demonstrating the
lifesaving value of early detection and timely treatment; and

WHEREAS, New York State continues to serve as a national leader in
medical and scientific research, receiving more National Institutes of
Health (NIH) funding than any state except California; and

WHEREAS, Breast cancer advocacy organizations throughout New York
State continue to promote increased research funding, equitable access

to screening and treatment services, and greater public and legislative
awareness of the disease; and

WHEREAS, Persistent disparities in outcomes remain a matter of grave
concern, as Black women experience a 38 percent higher mortality rate
from breast cancer than White women despite lower incidence rates,
underscoring the urgent need to address inequities in healthcare access,
diagnosis, and treatment; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Legislature reaffirms its commitment to
supporting vigorous breast cancer research, advancing technologies for
detection and treatment, and ensuring that women and their families have
access to information, resources, and medical expertise; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026, as Breast
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, and to encourage all
citizens to recognize the importance of breast cancer awareness,
education, research, prevention, and early detection; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.