N.Y. has plan to reduce cancer deaths

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ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- About 288 New Yorkers are diagnosed with cancer each day and more than 96 die, but state health officials have a plan to lower the rate.

Dr. Nirav R. Shah, commissioner of the New York Department of Health, said "The 2012 to 2017 Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan" suggested strategies to reduce cancer rates.

"Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in New York state," Shah said in a statement.

About 109,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed among state residents every year. More than 35,000 residents die every year -- more than 95 people per day. The effects of cancer do not end with the last treatment. There are nearly 1 million cancer survivors in New York State continue to face challenges.

About one-third of cancers can be attributed to tobacco use, while another one-third can be attributed to poor nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity.

The report said in 2011:

-- 18 percent of adult New Yorkers were cigarette smokers.

-- Almost one-quarter of New York adults were obese.

-- 27 percent of N.Y. adults consumed five or more fruits and vegetables a day.

-- Nearly 80 percent of New York adults did not meet recommended physical activity guidelines, and one quarter did not exercise at all.

The plan said to prevent cancer New York would encourage healthy behaviors and foster communities that support and reinforce healthy lifestyles including:

-- Increase early detection of cancer by raising awareness of and access to evidence-based cancer screenings.

-- Increase access to quality cancer treatment.

-- Improve the integration of palliative care in cancer treatment and care.

-- Improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.

-- Sustain an adequate health care workforce to meet the need for all cancer services.