K 465: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Cancer Research Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 465 BY: M. of A. Solages MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Cancer Research Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and observe the importance of cancer research to the residents of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Cancer Research Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Cancer Research Month; and WHEREAS, Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New York; research and new developments in cancer screenings and treatment are helping patients live longer; and WHEREAS, The number of people who have lived 5 or more years after their cancer diagnosis is projected to increase by approximately 30 percent, to 16.3 million over the next decade; and WHEREAS, May is National Cancer Research Month, a time to highlight the vital role of research and development in the fight against cancer; and WHEREAS, Six of the top ten causes of cancer deaths in New York have no recommended screening test; and WHEREAS, Cancers detected when still localized can be treated more effectively and have a five-year cancer-specific survival of approximately 90 percent compared with approximately 20 percent for cancers found after metastasis has occurred; and WHEREAS, Several innovative private and academic efforts are engaged in research, including advanced clinical trials to develop multi-cancer early detection blood-based tests; and WHEREAS, Published data indicates that these tests can screen for many cancers at the same time, including rare cancers, with one example currently able to screen for more than 50 cancers; and WHEREAS, Multi-cancer early detection tests can complement covered early detection tests, and extend the benefits of early detection to more cancers and more Americans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Cancer Research Month in the State of New York and commends the researchers and scientists who have developed multi-cancer early detection tests, and encourages increased access and coverage to these tests to reduce cancer deaths in New York and across our nation; 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.