Neighbor News
Medical Innovation Shapes Cancer Care for Long Island Patients
Decades of research support better outcomes, but continued innovation is essential for the patients and families who still face cancer every
I’ve spent decades working with breast cancer patients on Long Island, and I’ve personally seen how a cancer diagnosis can permanently alter lives. Over the years, I’ve also seen cancer care be transformed by medical innovation and breakthroughs, leading to earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better outcomes.
In fact, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, researchers announced data about a new pancreatic cancer treatment that doubled survival and reduced the risk of death by 60% among patients. This is incredible for the cancer community. It builds on recent progress in the fight against cancer and was made possible through years of research and clinical trials. It takes time, consistency, and investment to ensure these treatments reach the patients.
But despite that progress, what continues to concern me the most is that we are still seeing far too many people diagnosed with cancer far too young. Long Island is one of many regions in New York State with higher-than-expected incidence rates of cancer. It’s why we started the 1 in 9, the Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition. We need continued focus on research and development of new cures and on ensuring patients have timely access to the latest treatments.
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Our Long Island Congressional leaders, including Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representatives LaLota, Garbarino, Suozzi, and Gillen, have the chance to stand up for the cancer community and also protect New York’s reputation as a leader in medical innovation.
Find out what's happening in Long Islandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I urge them, as Congress debates healthcare policies, to please remember what is at stake. Cancer is not one disease, and it does not affect every patient the same way. It demands new and innovative treatments that can target different cancers, different stages, and different patient needs. Congress must protect the research and innovation pipeline that brings new treatments from the lab to the patients who need them most.
Geri Barish is a six-time cancer survivor, president of 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition and executive director of Hewlett House, a community resource center that services Long Island and the five boroughs.
