New York State Surpasses National Breast Cancer Screening Goal

Uninsured Screened at Half the Rate among All Females

BINGHAMTON, NY (October 1, 2026) — New data show that an estimated 81.7% of females aged 50 to 74 years were up to date with breast cancer screening per recommendations, surpassing the nationwide goal of 80.3% for the second consecutive year. While this is good news overall, only 41.7% of females who don’t have health insurance are up to date with mammograms. This is concerning because more people may lose health insurance in the near future due to changes with Medicaid and New York’s Essential Plan.

Breast cancer screening data are collected through the New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual telephone survey of adults to gather information on health behaviors and use of preventive health services, such as mammograms.

The Cancer Services Program of the Southern Tier knows that not everyone has the resources to get lifesaving cancer screenings. This is where our program can help,” said Kiran Sharma, Outreach Coordinator. “We have screened hundreds of people for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer in our community and will continue to do so.”

The Cancer Services Program helps New Yorkers aged 40 and older, with no health insurance, and those younger than age 40 at high risk for breast cancer, get screened for breast cancer. If screening finds something concerning, the program will pay for any follow-up testing needed. If cancer is found, the program will help enroll clients who qualify in the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program where they will have full Medicaid coverage during their cancer treatment.

“Finding breast cancer early gives the best chance for successful treatment. We urge you to talk to your health care provider about scheduling a mammogram. If you do not have health insurance or a health care provider, please contact the Cancer Services Program to see how we can help,” said Kiran Sharma, Outreach Coordinator.

The Cancer Services Program also provides free cancer screening for cervical and colorectal cancer to those eligible. Call 607-778-3900 for more information about our screening services or to register for any of our screening events. More information about the Cancer Services Program can also be found at New York State Cancer Services Program.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.