Press Room

According to a new report released last week by the American Cancer Society, the number of people living with a history of cancer in the United States is estimated at 18.6 million and projected to exceed 22 million by 2035. The new report also revealed that, in New York State, there are over 1.2 million cancer survivors alive today. The findings come at the start of National Cancer Survivors Month, which brought cancer survivors and advocates to the New York State Capitol earlier today to honor the lives touched by cancer and remind state lawmakers of the difference they can make in the fight against the disease. 

Earlier today, the New York State Senate voted to remove barriers to lung cancer screening in New York State, passing critical legislation to better equip New Yorkers to detect and treat lung cancer. S2000-A / A1195-A ensures comprehensive insurance coverage for lung cancer screening and eliminates cost sharing for recommended lung cancer screening, follow-up scans and diagnostic tests for asymptomatic individuals by all payers in the state.  

This week, New York state leaders released details on the state budget for FY 2025-26 and patient advocates are responding with disappointment over the failure to produce solutions to improve New Yorkers’ access to paid leave and, with it, their financial mobility. The same advocates visited Albany last month for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day to promote the importance of Senate Bill 172/Assembly Bill 84, the proposal to improve New Yorkers’ access to time off during treatment which now has 73 Assembly co-sponsors and passed the Senate in March.   

Today, advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) came from across the Lower Hudson Valley to deliver a message to Rep. Mike Lawler, urging him to protect Medicaid and highlighting how looming cuts would harm the nearly 7 million New Yorkers, including working families, cancer patients and survivors, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans and children, who receive lifesaving care through Medicaid.

Over 130 volunteer advocates from across New York, including cancer survivors, patients and caregivers, convened at the state Capitol today for ‘Cancer Action Day,’ an event hosted annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Advocates met with their state lawmakers and urged them to support policies that aid in the fight against cancer. 

This afternoon, the New York State Senate unanimously passed legislation that would eliminate cost-sharing for lung cancer screenings and follow-up tests for all eligible New Yorkers insured through a state-regulated health plan, including Medicaid. Senate Bill 2000, sponsored by Senator Joseph Addabbo, received sweeping, bipartisan support and the backing of a coalition of patient advocates, medical leaders and public health organizations.

A statement from John Manna, Jr., Esq., Vice Chair of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Board of Directors and constituent of former U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, on her passing.

This afternoon, the New York State Senate will advance legislation (Senate Bill 172) that would improve New Yorkers’ access to paid medical leave with senators lending sweeping, bipartisan support. The Assembly companion legislation (Assembly Bill 84) awaits similar consideration, and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are urging Assemblymembers to vote in support.

A statement from Michael Davoli, senior government relations director in New York for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, on the passing of Dr. Hazel Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference.

Earlier today while New York State lawmakers held a hearing on workforce development-related budget items, cancer survivors and patient advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gathered outside the hearing room to showcase their support for Senate Bill 172 and Assembly Bill 84 to improve access to paid family and medical leave for New York workers.