Breast Cancer Survivors Beg Governor Cuomo and Legislature to Protect Cancer Screenings

ALBANY, NY -  April 3, 2017 – As Governor Cuomo and New York State legislators continue to work on a budget for the new fiscal year, breast cancer survivors expressed their dismay and are calling on Albany to say NO to cuts in lifesaving cancer screenings.

The New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP), which provides cancer screenings for those who are uninsured or underinsured is facing a potentially devastating cut of $5 million. In the past year nearly 60,000 screenings were performed by the CSP. This year it is projected that there will be 16,310 new cases of breast cancer in New York State. 

Breast cancer survivors know better than anyone that these screenings save lives.

“I was diagnosed at the age of 39 with stage 2 breast cancer,” said Ann Raderman of Tonawanda. “I went for what I thought was a routine mammogram and the physician pointed to the screen and said that I had a malignant breast cancer.  I was scared for me and my family.  My son was only 9 when I received my diagnosis.  I am alive today because of cancer screenings.  Funding for breast cancer screenings must be kept intact so more women can survive like I did.” 

“Early detection was key to saving my life,” said Elizabeth Sherman of Schenectady. “I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. Hearing the news that I had breast cancer was shocking, but then the doctor told me that because it was detected early, my prognosis was positive. My husband died of cancer at age 58. My kids and grandkids mean everything to me. Please do not deprive underprivileged women of these screenings that could save their lives and give them more time with their kids and grandkids.”

“In February 2016 my world turned upside down as I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 47,” said Cynthia Rogers of Buffalo.  “I found the lump and a mammogram confirmed I had a mass.  Ironically, I had been an advocate for breast cancer awareness for several years as my mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor.  A routine mammogram caught my mother’s second lump and I am so grateful we are both here today.  Early detection is key including self-breast examinations, mammograms and doctor visits.  I had cancer but it didn’t have me!  Please Governor Cuomo and lawmakers, do not put people’s lives at risk. Cancer screenings save lives.”

“Being underprivileged should not be punishable by fear of death,” said Betsey Porter of Saratoga Springs. “As a breast cancer survivor, early screenings detected my cancer and saved my life. I am worried that if there is a cut to the CSP, women who do not have access to health insurance will needlessly face this horror. I am hopeful that Governor Cuomo and the legislature will not let that happen.”