New York State Department of Health Recognizes World Breast Cancer Research Day

New York State Cancer Registry Plays a Critical Role in Prevention, Treatment and Improving Outcomes

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 18, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes World Breast Cancer Research Day on August 18. Breast cancer can be a life altering diagnosis that can overwhelm individuals and their families, and comes with numerous physical, emotional and financial burdens. The New York State Cancer Registry continues to serve as an important tool for ongoing breast cancer research, helping to guide prevention and treatment.

"Breast cancer research is essential to advancing our understanding of the disease, improving patient care and ultimately finding a cure," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "It also equips health care professionals to better inform the public about personal risk and treatment options. We commend and support the dedicated professionals working to deepen our knowledge and improve outcomes."

The New York State Cancer Registry participates in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, End Results and Epidemiology program to collect standardized information on all cancer cases in New York, helping to inform breast and other types of cancer research. This information allows researchers, doctors, policymakers, public health professionals and members of the public to monitor current cancer trends, evaluate cancer prevention and control programs, and identify focus areas for research and policy development.

Breast cancer is the most common and second most deadly form of cancer in women in New York State, with more than 17,000 new cases and approximately 2,400 deaths each year. Though it is rare, males can also suffer from breast cancer, with about 160 males diagnosed with breast cancer in New York State each year.

While breast cancer can affect anyone, it does not affect everyone equally. According to data on cancer incidence and mortality in New York, Black women experience higher rates of more advanced cancers that have spread to neighboring and distant areas of the body.

The New York State Cancer Registry actively collaborates on research studies that strive to improve cancer outcomes and reduce health disparity gaps. Current studies examine racial disparities in diagnosis and outcomes for breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. These studies involve collaborations with researchers throughout the U.S. and seek to improve care and outcomes for all New Yorkers diagnosed with cancer. The New York State Cancer Registry participates in the Virtual Pooled Registry- Cancer Linkage System (VPR-CLS) that allows researchers to conduct linkage studies with multiple central cancer registries maps indicating cases, background information, possible causes, and how to interpret cancer data and graphs.

The Department encourages New Yorkers to be aware of their risk for breast cancer and the importance of getting screened. More information about breast cancer and free educational materials are available on the Department's website.

The Department also leverages multi-media campaigns including social media and television that targets those more likely to be affected by breast cancer including Black women and women over 40. One example of this campaign can be found here.

Programs and initiatives funded by the Department include those that provide community outreach to educate New Yorkers about breast cancer, promote access to screening, and offer support programs for those already diagnosed with breast cancer. These include the New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) which offers free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings, diagnostic testing, and referrals to treatment for eligible uninsured and underinsured patients across the state, and Post-Treatment Support Services for Breast Cancer Survivors. A list of Community Cancer Programs and where they are located across the state can be found here.

The New York State Cancer Consortium is a statewide network made up of almost 400 member organizations from public and private sectors, including cancer research centers, dedicated to reducing the state's cancer burden. The Consortium uses New York State Cancer Registry data to identify where the highest burden of cancer are and to inform where programs and services should be directed to reach the most people in need.

Enrolling in health care coverage can improve access to medical care and reduce the risk of illness, including cancer. To enroll in health care coverage or learn about financial assistance options available to lower the cost of health coverage, contact the NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220) or visit Resources | NY State of Health.

The New York State Cancer Registry and cancer statistics can be found here.  

More information on breast cancer, including, screening, treatment and resources can be found here.