NEW BREAST CANCER LAW TO TAKE EFFECT

Senator Malcolm A. Smith

Linda Ferrante

Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm A. Smith recently took to the steps of City Hall to announce a new law, slated to take effect on January 1, 2011. The law, signed by Governor Paterson, protects the rights of women diagnosed with breast cancer. It mandates that all women, upon diagnosis, be made fully aware of their options for reconstructive surgery, regardless of age, race, or economic status. Personally, we think this law is a huge positive step for those diagnosed with cancer. Everyone, regardless of who he or she is, should be completely informed of his or her medical options. We commend Governor Paterson for signing the law and hope similar laws are passed to protect the rights of those afflicted with other types of cancer and other diseases.

Senator Smith was joined by other elected officials (including New York City Council Committee on Health Chairwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo), medical experts (Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh and Dr. Barry K. Douglas from the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group) and cancer survivors and members of advocacy groups (including Linda Ferrante, who created Find a Cure Today).