New York State Cancer Services

Prostate cancer visible in a stained tissue sample

Prostate cancer visible in a stained tissue sample NCI

The Cancer Services Program oversees the delivery of comprehensive breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening services and prostate cancer education to underserved populations in New York through contractual agreements with local community-based organizations. In addition the program provides public and health care provider education regarding cancer prevention and early detection, maintains a quality improvement program to ensure the quality of clinical services provided through the program and provides funds for community-based cancer support services for persons with cancer and their families.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection and Education Program

New York's statewide network of 54 community-based breast and cervical cancer screening projects, called Cancer Services Program Partnerships, are providing low-income, uninsured or under-insured women with annual comprehensive screening examinations and follow-up services. Each year, 60,000 women are screened through the program.

The priority population for this program is women ages 40 and older who are at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty guideline and who have no health insurance or whose insurance does not cover screening or diagnostic services. Of special concern are ethnic and racial minority groups and women who are medically undeserved because they live in isolated communities.

Since the inception of federal funding in 1994, more than 2,000 cases of breast cancer, 37 cases of cervical cancer and nearly 1,200 precancerous cervical lesions have been detected in women screened through the program. Approximately 59 percent of the cases of breast cancer detected through the program were diagnosed at an early stage when treatment is highly successful.

In 2001, the Health Department added a case management component to the Partnership Program to assist the approximately 6,000 women who require diagnostic follow-up after their initial screening exams. The program helps women navigate the health care system, obtain transportation, childcare or translation services, and overcome other personal barriers that may prevent appropriate follow-up testing and care.

Colorectal Cancer

The State Department of Health operates a unique program using local initiatives throughout the State to increase the availability of colorectal and prostate cancer education and routine colorectal screening to underserved and uninsured populations age 50 and older.

The program increases the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, helping to reduce mortality. The program also raises public awareness about colorectal cancer prevention.

Currently, 30 community-based partnerships involving 43 counties provide colorectal cancer screening and education about prostate health, prostate cancer and issues related to screening and treatment.

These programs coordinate with local Cancer Services Program Partnerships to become the foundation of an integrated approach to providing cancer education, screening and early detection services for priority populations.

Ovarian Cancer

The Department of Health has developed ovarian cancer information materials to provide information for consumers, patients, and health care providers relating to ovarian cancer, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, the benefits of early detection through appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment options.

The Department has been increasing awareness of ovarian cancer through the development of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Quilts. Survivors, family members and friends may all contribute squares to the quilts. The quilts, to be displayed around the state, will encourage, inspire and warm people undergoing cancer treatment.

Prostate Cancer

The State Department of Health operates a unique program using local initiatives throughout the State to increase the availability of colorectal and prostate cancer education.

The program's goal is to raise public awareness about the issues surrounding prostate health and the early detection of prostate cancer.

Currently, 31 community-based partnerships involving 43 counties provide colorectal cancer screening and education about prostate health, prostate cancer and issues related to screening and treatment.

These programs coordinate with local Cancer Services Program Partnerships to become the foundation of an integrated approach to providing cancer education, screening and early detection services for priority populations.

Prostate and Testicular Cancer Detection and Education Advisory Council

The NYS Prostate and Testicular Cancer Detection and Education Advisory Council was authorized by legislation in 1997 to advise the commissioner of Health with respect to the implementation of the promotion of prostate and testicular cancer screening and detection particularly among underserved populations, education of the public regarding prostate and testicular cancer and the benefits of early detection, and the provision of counseling and referral services.

The Council has completed a report that includes public health policy recommendations for the Department:

For more information contact:

Cancer Services Program
Bureau of Chronic Disease Services
New York State Department of Health
Riverview Center, 3rd Floor West
Albany, NY 12204-0678
canserv@health.state.ny.us