During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Governor Hochul announces New York surpassed national screening goal for second consecutive year

New York – New York has exceeded the national goal for breast cancer screenings for the second year in a row, according to new data released as the state marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that an estimated 82 percent of females in New York between the ages of 50 and 74 are up to date with recommended breast cancer screenings. The latest figures show the state continuing to make progress in encouraging regular screening and improving access to services that can help detect cancer earlier.

The announcement comes as New York observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October. Breast cancer remains one of the most common forms of cancer among females in the state, making regular screening and early detection an important part of efforts to reduce deaths from the disease.

“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage all New Yorkers to remember those we’ve lost to this devastating disease, while honoring the strength of survivors and supporting those still living with cancer,” Governor Hochul said. “As monuments across New York are illuminated pink, we reaffirm our commitment to early detection and equitable access to care.”

Nearly 18,000 people in New York are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, while close to 2,300 die from the disease annually.

State health officials are using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to remind residents that mammograms can identify breast cancer before symptoms or other warning signs appear. Finding the disease at an earlier stage can provide more opportunities for treatment.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said regular screenings should remain a priority throughout the year, not only during the annual awareness campaign.

“A breast cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that early detection and early treatment can save lives. This month and all year round I encourage individuals to get regular mammograms. Those with a family history of breast cancer should speak to a healthcare provider to find out if they’re at a greater risk of getting the disease.”

Current recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force call for screening mammograms every other year beginning at age 40 and continuing through age 74.

The recommendation applies to females as well as people with dense breasts and those with a family history of breast cancer. It also applies to transgender men and non-binary people who were assigned female at birth.

Screening schedules may be different for people considered to be at higher risk. State health officials encourage those individuals to talk with their health care providers about when screenings should begin, how frequently they should take place and whether additional tests may be appropriate.

At the same time, New York officials say the state is continuing to focus on disparities that can prevent some residents from receiving timely cancer care. Those efforts cover the full process, including screenings, follow-up testing, treatment when necessary and support for people who have survived breast cancer.

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New York has also taken steps in recent years to expand insurance protections related to screening.

In 2024, Hochul signed legislation expanding insurance coverage for breast cancer screening and imaging to include nationally recognized guidelines. The measure was designed to improve access to screening and diagnostic services, particularly because early diagnosis and treatment can play an important role in patient outcomes.

New York has now exceeded the national breast cancer screening goal for two consecutive years. State officials credited partnerships among health systems, advocates and organizations across New York with helping reduce barriers and encourage more people to undergo recommended screenings.

The state is also drawing attention to the issue through a visible display across New York.

On the evening of October 2, Hochul directed a series of prominent landmarks and public facilities to be illuminated pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Among them are One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, the State Education Building, the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building and Empire State Plaza.

The State Fairgrounds Main Gate and Expo Center, Niagara Falls and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge are also included.

Other locations scheduled to turn pink include the Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, the MTA Long Island Rail Road East End Gateway at Penn Station, the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall and Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.

The statewide display is intended to raise awareness while recognizing people who have been affected by breast cancer, including survivors, those currently undergoing treatment and families who have lost loved ones to the disease.

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Beyond the awareness campaign, state officials are reminding New Yorkers about protections available to people with health insurance policies issued in New York. Consumers covered by those policies have rights related to breast cancer screening and treatment, and the state provides information explaining those protections.

Programs are also available for residents who do not have health insurance.

The New York State Cancer Services Program provides free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to uninsured New Yorkers who meet eligibility requirements. The program is part of the state’s broader effort to make screening available regardless of a person’s insurance status.

Health officials continue to emphasize that people should not wait for symptoms before considering screening. Mammograms are intended to identify possible breast cancer at an early stage, including when someone feels healthy and has no obvious indication of the disease.

For those with a family history or other factors that could increase their risk, health officials recommend discussing an individual screening plan with a medical provider.

As buildings, bridges and landmarks across New York glow pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the latest screening figures provide another measure of the state’s efforts to encourage early detection.

With an estimated 82 percent of New York females ages 50 to 74 currently up to date with recommended breast cancer screenings, state officials are seeking to maintain that progress while continuing efforts to ensure screening, diagnosis and treatment services are accessible to New Yorkers who need them.