Phase 2 of New York Cancer Maps Now Posted Online
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 28, 2012) – The New York State Department of Health (DOH) today launched the second phase of the Environmental Facilities and Cancer Mapping Project. Under this phase, a web-based map presents areas of higher or lower numbers of cancer cases based on statewide averages. The six specific types of cancers displayed are: lung cancer, breast cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, brain cancer and thyroid cancer.
In addition, the site features educational materials about cancer, cancer prevention and detection. The map has also been updated to reflect the most recent data, representing the years 2005 through 2009.
It is important to note that the mapping information included in Phase 2 does not demonstrate a cause and effect relationship between cancer incidence and the environment including geological areas or proximity to environmental facilities. Rather, unusual cancer incidence rates can be caused by a variety of unrelated factors. The risk for developing cancer depends primarily on individual risk factors such as tobacco use, diet, physical activity, family history and workplace exposures.
The Environmental Facilities and Cancer Mapping site is located at: http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/cancer/environmental_facilities/mapping/.
The project is a result of legislation passed in 2008, and amended in 2010, requiring the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation to make available to the public a cancer mapping electronic application that shows the counts of specific types of cancer, locations of certain types of environmental facilities, and areas of elevated cancer incidence.
The first phase of the Environmental Facilities and Cancer Mapping Project was posted in 2010. The initial map displayed cancer cases and environmental facilities such as bulk storage facilities and air emissions facilities within certain geographic areas, searchable by address or type of facility.
For information about cancer risks, treatments, prevention and other resources, please visit the New York State Department of Health Web site at:
