Governor's Cancer Research Initiative
The Governor's Cancer Research Initiative, announced in October 2017, was undertaken to examine cancer trends and the potential causes of cancer in four regions of the state that have a higher incidence of cancer. The four regions include: Warren County in northeastern New York, Staten Island (Richmond County) in New York City, an area of East Buffalo and western Cheektowaga in western New York, and an area including the communities of Centereach, Farmingville and Selden on Long Island.
Staff from the New York State Department of Health conducted a detailed review of cancer data for each area. They also examined information on demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and occupational factors that might have contributed to the higher incidence of specific types of cancer. In addition, Department staff worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation to identify potential sources of environmental contaminants that may be affecting cancer rates. The Department used the results of the initiative to develop recommendations aimed at enhancing community cancer prevention and screening efforts and supporting access to appropriate high-quality health care.
Study Update
The four investigations are complete. Executive summaries of each report are available and the Department is holding a series of public meetings to inform local communities about the findings of the investigations and to share its recommendations (see below). Presentations from the meeting and the full report for each investigation are being posted the day after each meeting.
East Buffalo/Western Cheektowaga (Erie County)
The East Buffalo/Western Cheektowaga study area was investigated because there were six different types of cancer that had elevated incidence in 2011-2015: colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, oral cavity (mouth and throat) cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Final Report: Cancer Incidence Report for the East Buffalo/Western Cheektowaga Study Area (PDF)
- East Buffalo/Western Cheektowaga Cancer Incidence Investigation (PDF). October 22, 2019 public meeting presentation at the Buffalo Museum of Science
Staten Island (Richmond County)
Staten Island was investigated because it had the highest incidence rate for all cancers combined among the five New York City boroughs in 2011-2015. A major focus of this investigation was on thyroid cancer, which was significantly elevated compared to the state as a whole.
- Final Report: Cancer Incidence Report for the Staten Island Study Area (PDF)
- Staten Island Cancer Incidence Investigation (PDF). October 29, 2019 public meeting presentation at CUNY College of Staten Island
Glens Falls (Warren County)
Warren County was investigated because it had the highest incidence rate for all cancers combined of any county in New York in 2011-2015. Lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cavity (mouth and throat) cancer, and brain tumors were among the specific cancers investigated.
- Final Report: Cancer Incidence Report for the Warren County Study Area (PDF)
- Warren County Cancer Incidence Investigation (PDF). November 7, 2019 public meeting presentation at SUNY Adirondack Community College
Centereach, Farmingville, Selden (Suffolk County)
The Centereach, Farmingville, Selden study area was investigated because there were four different types of cancer that had elevated incidence in 2011-2015: bladder cancer, lung cancer, leukemia and thyroid cancer.
- Final Report: Cancer Incidence Report for the Centereach, Farmingville, Selden Area (PDF)
- Centereach, Farmingville, Selden Cancer Incidence Investigation (PDF). November 12, 2019 public meeting presentation at Stony Brook University
More information on cancer and cancer risk factors
- Take Steps to Reduce Your Cancer Risk Infographic (PDF)
- New York State Cancer Registry (Cancer Statistics)
- Different cancers and their risk factors
- Environmental Facilities and Cancer Mapping
