February 4, 2014
Bellone, Tomarken Offer Remarks on Governor Cuomo’s Proclamation of Cancer Prevention Day
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Health Commissioner James Tomarken support Governor Cuomo’s proclamation naming February 4th Cancer Prevention Day in New York. The proclamation acknowledges the important effects of behavior and the environment on cancer risk and raises awareness about how behavior can greatly contribute to reduced cancer risk.
“We know that, to an extent, many types of cancer are preventable,” said Bellone. “We, as public officials, will do whatever we can do to reduce cancer risk by monitoring and protecting our environmental resources, and we ask our residents do their part in reducing cancer risk by choosing to live healthy lifestyles.”
Over 100,000 new cancers are diagnosed every year in New York State and over 35,000 New Yorkers will die from the disease each year. Based on data reported by the New York State Cancer Registry, the average annual number of cancer cases reported annually in Suffolk County between 2006 and 2010 was approximately 8,900, and the average number of deaths each year over the same time period was approximately 2,800. Over one-half of all cancer deaths can be attributed to tobacco use, obesity, poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Other preventable risk factors for cancer include the HPV and HBV viruses, environmental exposures and UV radiation.
Dr. Tomarken, chair of Suffolk County’s Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion Coalition, offered 10 recommendations developed by the coalition to help residents take action to reduce their risk of cancer. “Together, with New York State and our community partners, we can educate and support our residents to make wise choices,” said Dr. Tomarken.
Top Ten Recommendations for a Healthy Lifestyle
- Avoid tobacco products
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol intake
- Exercise
- Eat mostly unprocessed plant foods
- Protect your skin from exposure to the sun
- Get regular check-ups
- Make smart choices for your home and personal care
- Ask your health care provider whether you should take Vitamin D
- Stay informed
As a member of the New York State Cancer Consortium, the Suffolk County Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion Coalition supports the strategies outlined in the plan to prevent cancer in our community. To find out more about the CPHPC and its Top Ten Recommendations for a Healthy Lifestyle, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/cancerawareness.
Cancer Prevention Day serves as a reminder for lawmakers, community leaders and the public of pressing issues linked with cancer such as obesity and the environment. This is an important step for New York State in the fight against cancer. To find out what you can do to help prevent cancer, view the New York State Cancer Control Plan 2012-2017 (the Plan) at: www.nyscancerconsortium.org/documents/NYSCompCancerPlan2012-2017-FINAL.pdf.
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The Suffolk County Cancer Prevention and Health Promotion Coalition (previously known as the Cancer Awareness Task Force) was created by the County Executive’s Office in 2004 and has been meeting regularly ever since. There are approximately 25 members representing a broad range of organizations including local universities, not-for-profit organizations, local media, public health advocates, and staff from Suffolk County departments and agencies.