The New York State Department of Health has approved funding for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to continue its successful breast and prostate cancer peer education program.
The $200,000-per-year grant was renewed for two years and will fund activities that support Gov. Andrew Cuomo's goals to increase New York's breast cancer screening rate by 10 percent by 2021 - and increase the number of men who discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening with their health care providers.
"Through education and outreach activities with local organizations and civic groups, our program encourages individuals to speak with their doctors about breast or prostate cancer screening and to assist them by addressing any barriers or fears they may encounter," said Memorial Community Program Coordinator Dragana Draca. "The program also offers follow-up support for individuals who seek referrals to resources such as primary care doctors, screening facilities, food pantries and health home case management services."
The program has educated more than 3,000 men and women about the importance of breast and prostate cancer screening since it began two years ago, Draca said.
"Age-appropriate screening has been shown to reduce deaths from both breast and prostate cancer," Draca noted. "We are grateful the state has chosen to continue this lifesaving program in Niagara."
The breast and prostate peer education program is a free educational service. Presentations are brief and can be tailored to an organization's needs. For more information, call Project Coordinator Cassandra Jackson at 716-278-4896.
