Senate Resolution No. 1400
BY: Senator PERSAUD
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 18-24, 2026, as Male Breast Cancer Awareness
Week in the State of New York
WHEREAS, Breast cancer is a serious health concern that affects both
women and men; however, public awareness of male breast cancer remains
limited despite its potential severity; and
WHEREAS, Although rare, breast cancer in men accounts for fewer than
one percent of all breast cancer diagnoses in the United States; and
WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated
2,800 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast
cancer in 2025 and approximately 510 men will die from the disease; and
WHEREAS, For men, the average lifetime risk of developing breast
cancer is approximately 1 in 755, with risk increasing with age and with
a typical diagnosis occurring between 60 and 70 years old; and
WHEREAS, Men have an approximately 25 percent higher breast cancer
mortality rate than women, attributed in part to lower awareness,
delayed recognition of symptoms, and reluctance to seek timely medical
care; and
WHEREAS, Many men are unaware that they can develop breast cancer,
which may lead to symptoms such as lumps, nipple changes, or pain being
ignored or misattributed; and
WHEREAS, Like breast cancer in women, male breast cancer begins with
the growth of malignant cells in breast tissue and, if undetected, may
spread to nearby structures or distant organs; and
WHEREAS, Early detection of male breast cancer significantly
improves outcomes, with five-year relative survival rates of
approximately 97 percent for localized disease, 86 percent for regional
disease, and 31 percent for distant disease, and an overall five-year
survival of about 84 percent when all stages are combined; and
WHEREAS, Increasing public education about male breast cancer
symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early diagnosis can save
lives and reduce suffering for men and their families across the State
of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 18-24, 2026, as
Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week in the State of New York to promote
awareness, education, early detection, and patient support; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body encourages health care
providers, community organizations, advocates, and the people of New
York State to observe this week through public education campaigns and
outreach efforts that increase awareness of male breast cancer signs,
symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options; 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.
