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Marc Kaplan
Senior Regional Media Advocacy Manager
Albany, NY
ACS CAN Reacts to Governor's Budget
Asks for Funding Increases for Cancer Screenings
January 18, 2022
ACS CAN Reacts to Hochul Budget
Asks for Increased Cancer Screenings
ALBANY, NY – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has released her proposed budget for 2022.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Senior New York Government Relations Director Michael Davoli, released the following statement:
“On behalf of the 1.6 million cancer survivors in New York, I applaud Gov. Hochul’s efforts on her new budget. I ask that she follows up this package with stronger efforts to reduce our state’s cancer rate, help identify cancers at their earliest and often most treatable stage and ensure that cancer patients are adequately supported as they battle this devastating disease.
“The American Cancer Society estimates that almost 120,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in New York and over 32,000 cancer deaths will occur in the state in 2022 making it the second leading cause of death in the state. Gov. Hochul’s support is critical for enhanced funding for the Cancer Services Program (CSP) and funding for the tobacco prevention and cessation program.
“The CSP offers a critically important service to men and women who lack health insurance – screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer at no cost to the patient. Detected early, these cancers are more effectively treated. Failing to have these cancers detected early can lead to deadly consequences.
“The CSP has a level appropriation in this budget as it has had since 2018-19 (after a 21% reduction in 2017-18.) Meanwhile cancer screening in New York continues to be a challenge with barriers like lack of insurance and the inability to take time off from work. The final 2021-2022 state budget maintained flat level state funding for the CSP at $19.825 million. After nearly two years of patients delaying care, including accessing their doctor recommended cancer screening, funding to the CSP must increase.
“Cancer patients have long faced significant barriers to accessing care. COVID-19 has magnified these barriers, with 46% of cancer patients and survivors reporting a change in their ability to pay for care due to the pandemic, and 79% experiencing delays in active treatment.
“Increasing the funding for the CSP is crucial to allow all New Yorkers access to these screenings. ACS CAN requests an increase in funding for CSP to $21.8 million in Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
“In addition to support for cancer screening it is important that New York State increase funding for evidence-based, statewide tobacco use prevention and cessation programs by $12.24 million in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 bringing the total to $52 million annually.
“We look forward to working with Gov. Hochul and the legislature to help assure that all New Yorkers have the tools needed to prevent and detect cancer.”
About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
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