Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced nearly US$3 million in funding will be awarded to projects across New York for breast cancer research. These grants will encourage innovative research into the causes of breast cancer, as well as prevention, detection or screening, treatment, survivorship and cure, along with the design of new educational strategies to help people reduce specific risk factors associated with developing breast cancer, the Governor’s Office said.
“New York will continue to take action and make investments that help advance breast cancer research, raise public awareness, and ensure access to early detection and prevention services,” Governor Cuomo said. “Breast cancer affects thousands of people across this state and in order to provide New Yorkers with the best care, these investments will support the brilliant minds studying, teaching and researching at our colleges, universities and medical schools.”
“Breast cancer is the second leading cancer death among women in New York, and these grants will help to protect women by studying and expanding detection and prevention services,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “We are committed to promoting research and raising awareness about breast cancer across the state that affects thousands of individuals and their families. These awards will further aid in our efforts to provide quality treatment and help to save lives.”
The Department of Health approved seven applications with a total funding recommendation of US$2,460,662 for the Peter T. Rowley Breast Cancer Scientific Research Projects, as well as two applications with a total funding recommendation of US$513,601 for the Patricia S. Brown Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Education Research Projects.
The awardees are:
Peter T. Rowley Breast Cancer Scientific Research Projects
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Cristina Montagna, PhD – US$360,000
Stony Brook University, Jun Lin, MD, PhD – US$360,000
University at Buffalo, Jo Feudenheim, PhD – US$359,024
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Jose Silva, PhD – US$360,000
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Harry Ostrer, MD – US$326,910
Cornell University, Scott Coonrod, PhD – US$358,832
University at Albany, Jonathan Petruccelli, PhD – US$335,905
Patricia S. Brown Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Education Research Projects
Hunter College CUNY, Jin Young Seo, PhD – US$245,002
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Lina Jandorf, MA – US$268,599
These awards build on Governor Cuomo’s significant commitment to increasing public awareness and availability of resources for breast cancer screening and treatment, including the successful “Get Screened, No Excuses” initiatives currently in place and available to all New Yorkers regardless of insurance status. These efforts include legislation requiring hospitals and hospital extension clinics to offer extended hours for mammography screening; legislation that prohibits insurers subject to New York State law from requiring cost-sharing for screening mammograms and diagnostic testing; expanded paid leave for public employees to receive breast cancer screening; and a public awareness campaign to encourage screening.
According to the Governor’s Office, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in New York State. Each year, over 15,000 women in New York State are newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 2,500 die from the disease. Screening for breast cancer can increase the likelihood of identifying cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “New York State is leading the way in the fight against breast cancer, thanks to the Governor’s commitment to this issue. Continued funding for research is critical in these efforts and will ultimately help save lives.”
Senate Health Committee Chair Kemp Hannon said, “This state is investing in the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and these awards are critical in our efforts to make the very best prevention and treatment services available. I thank the Governor for his commitment to help ensure our residents have access to top-notch health care, and look forward to new and innovate research helping us better understand the causes of breast cancer.”
Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried said, “New York is a leader in the fight against breast cancer. These grants will support vital research at our leading medical centers and academic institutions across the state.”
