Governor Hochul Directs New York State Landmarks to Be Lit Teal, Green and Pink in Honor of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring October 13, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in New York, honoring those affected by the illness for which there is no cure. In recognition of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, New York State is joining more than 196 cities around the world that will illuminate landmarks with the distinct teal, green and pink colors as part of a broader global #LightUpMBC campaign to raise awareness about metastatic breast cancer and to support the need for research that will save lives.

"Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is a solemn reminder of the many New Yorkers whose lives are impacted by this complex and incurable disease," Governor Hochul said. "Today, as landmarks across New York are illuminated teal, green and pink, I encourage all New Yorkers to join in honoring those lost to metastatic breast cancer and supporting those who are living and thriving with cancer. We will continue working with partners across the state to eliminate disparities and ensure New Yorkers receive the care, support and resources they need."

Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body, commonly the bones, lung, brain or liver While metastatic breast cancer is treatable, there is no cure. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer develop metastatic disease months or years after the original diagnosis. In addition, six to 10 percent of women have metastatic breast cancer when first diagnosed.

Nearly all breast cancer deaths occur after the disease has metastasized. There are also significant health disparities that exist among those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. For example, non-Hispanic Black women experience higher death rates than women in all other racial and ethnic groups throughout the country, underscoring the importance of not only raising awareness, but also supporting research efforts to improve treatment outcomes.

The New York State Department of Health held a virtual roundtable with State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald featuring a panel of metastatic breast cancer thrivers who are raising awareness about the critical need to fund research initiatives to improve outcomes for the metastatic breast cancer community. State Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne, a breast cancer survivor, moderated the panel.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Today as we honor Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and the extraordinary strength and resiliency of those living with metastatic breast cancer, we are also reminded of the urgent need for continued research and new treatments that can allow patients to live and thrive for many years after a diagnosis. I thank our panelists today for sharing their powerful stories and for their unwavering commitment to raising awareness and funds for metastatic breast cancer research."

New York State Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne said, "Raising awareness of metastatic breast cancer is crucial to advancing screening and treatment for those diagnosed. It is essential to recognize that a diagnosis brings lifelong impacts that extend well beyond the completion of treatment. Having identified the challenges, we have a responsibility to advance research toward improved treatments and ultimately, a cure."

#LightUpMBC Global Campaign Director and metastatic breast cancer thriver, Tami Eagle Bowling said, "When landmarks across New York and around the globe illuminate in teal for healing, green for hope and pink for breast cancer origin, they represent the world coming together to honor those we have lost, support those living with this disease and inspire hope for a future where no one dies from breast cancer. Through #LightUpMBC, we want patients to feel seen, families to feel supported and the public to understand why more research is desperately needed. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Health for standing with our community and helping turn awareness into action."

Metastatic breast cancer thriver Sally Joy Wolf said, "As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I believed the narrative we often hear: if you're vigilant you'll catch it early, and if you catch it early you'll be cured. I was shocked when, less than two years after my double mastectomy and chemo, I had a metastatic recurrence. My experience is a reminder that early detection does not promise lifelong cure. In fact, approximately 30 percent of early stage survivors end up living with MBC. And, sadly, 117 people still die every day of this disease. Which is why research matters so deeply to me. We need better ways to prevent recurrence, detect metastatic disease earlier and develop treatments that allow people living with MBC to thrive for decades."

Metastatic breast cancer thriver Ceceilia Parnther said, "Who you are and where you live shape how metastatic breast cancer is treated, and how long patients survive. Black women in particular are about 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, and that gap is unacceptable. Funding stage IV research is a step toward equity, expanding access to innovative care for patients of every background and offering real hope for a cure."

Broadway performer and early stage breast cancer survivor Kara Lindsay said, "When I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, I never imagined how much this disease would change my life. I now have a deeper understanding of the uncertainty that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. I also know that early-stage breast cancer can return as Stage IV, which is why funding metastatic breast cancer research is so critically important. Every person diagnosed with breast cancer deserves hope for a future without fear of recurrence. As a Broadway performer, I've spent my career using my voice to tell stories. Now, I'm honored to use my voice for good through #LightUpMBC, helping raise awareness and funding for research that can lead to better treatments and ultimately a cure."

Co-Hosted by Tami Eagle Bowling and Kara Lindsay, tune in to watch #LightUpMBC Live, a free global live stream HERE at 8:00 p.m. on the evening of October 13.

The show will feature inspirational patient stories live from illuminated landmarks, musical performances and the latest scientific perspectives that offer hope for the future. #LightUpMBC has already raised more than $2.7 million for METAvivor, a non-profit organization that exclusively funds metastatic breast cancer research.

There are approximately 30 landmarks in New York that will be illuminated teal for healing, green for hope and the traditional pink for breast cancer, including the following public monuments, buildings and bridges:

• 1 World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

Additional participating landmarks in New York and hundreds more around the world can be found here:Participating Landmarks

New York State remains committed to reducing disparities to ensure all New Yorkers can get breast cancer screenings, follow-up tests, treatment if necessary and survivorship/thriver support.

Governor Hochul signed legislation in 2024 expanding insurance coverage of breast cancer screening and imaging to include nationally recognized guidelines. As early diagnosis and treatment are vital, this important legislation ensures New Yorkers have access to critical screening and diagnostic services.

For the second year in a row, New York State surpassed national breast cancer screening goals. These milestones underscore the state's efforts to promote early detection and is a testament to the dedication of the many statewide partners, advocates and health systems committed to reducing barriers and improving health outcomes.

New York State remains committed to ensuring consumers who are covered by health insurance policies issued in New York are aware of their breast cancer screening and treatment rights.

The New York State Cancer Services Program also provides free breast cancer screening and diagnostics services to uninsured, eligible New Yorkers.

The Cancer Statistics Dashboards provide easy access to a wide range of breast cancer statistics in New York State, including cancer incidence, mortality, trends, stage at cancer diagnosis, survival and prevalence information.