NY plan targets smoking, obesity to curb cancer

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The state's five-year plan for fighting cancer targets smoking, poor nutrition and obesity to limit the disease that is now diagnosed in more than 100,000 New Yorkers annually.

Among the state's 19 million residents are nearly 1 million cancer survivors. The plan also calls for tracking their quality of life and ensuring appropriate follow-up care including ongoing screenings.

Cancer kills about 35,000 people in New York each year.

The report from a group of providers and organizations, including the state Health Department and the American Cancer Society, lists a series of measurable goals for early detection, treatment and public outreach.

A chief strategy listed for better early detection is implementing the 2010 federal law intended to help extend health coverage to 2.7 million uninsured New Yorkers.