Breast cancer strikes down too many women in the prime of their lives. It is a disease that any woman at any time in her adult life can develop. But with early detection and treatment, lives can be saved. Assemblymember Kevin Cahill has been working to provide all New Yorkers with access to timely checkups and affordable treatments.

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 14,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in a single year in New York. That’s why Assemblymember Kevin Cahill has supported the Healthcare Association of New York State Breast Cancer Demonstration Project, which offers information on early detection methods and breast cancer treatment.

The Assembly has fought to secure funding for this vital program for the last four years – despite the Governor’s efforts to end it each year. Assemblymember Cahill also helped pass the Women’s Health and Wellness Act in 2002 to make regular checkups and screenings more affordable and accessible (Ch. 554 of 2002).

Assemblymember Cahill has secured over $500,000 and will continue his support for the development of the Benedictine Hospital Cancer Center Oncology Project. This cancer center currently provides the only mobile mammography services in Ulster County.

Each year, the number of cancer survivors in America increases. Currently, 9.6 million live with a history of the disease. Survivors face unique challenges, yet, one thing remains clear: prevention, early diagnosis of cancer and first-rate treatment saves lives. That’s why the Assembly passed legislation to assist survivors of cancer by emphasizing early diagnosis and prevention and to support research and cancer mapping within the state. Assemblymember Cahill helped pass laws that:

• Promote diagnostic screening for prostate cancer (Ch. 601 of 2000)
• Protect cancer survivors from insurance discrimination based on genetic history (Ch. 599 or 2003)
• Ban smoking inside workplaces and provide programs to help smokers quit (Ch. 13 of 2003)

This year Assemblymember Cahill teamed up with Breast Cancer Options, a breast cancer support and advocacy group, to host a forum on breast cancer in Ellenville. The forum featured leading cancer specialists who provided local residents with information on breast cancer prevention, treatment and recovery options. Breast Cancer Options matches breast cancer patients with specially trained survivors to provide support through medical visits and help deal with the disease, its treatment and recovery.