New York landmarks are being illuminated teal, green and pink on Oct. 13 as the state marks Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and calls attention to the need for research, equitable care and support for people living with Stage IV breast cancer.
By David LaGuerre
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation recognizing Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and directed participating landmarks across New York to use the campaign colors Tuesday evening. Teal represents healing, green represents hope and pink reflects the disease’s breast cancer origin.
The state is joining the global #LightUpMBC campaign, which says more than 196 cities are taking part. The New York observance also included a virtual state Department of Health roundtable with people living with metastatic breast cancer, Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and State Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne.
Hochul said the illuminated landmarks are intended to honor people who have died, support those living with the disease and encourage research. The governor’s full announcement also highlighted continuing racial disparities in breast cancer deaths and state programs that help residents obtain screening and diagnostic services.
What metastatic breast cancer means
Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to another part of the body. Common sites include the bones, lungs, liver and brain. It is also called Stage IV breast cancer.
The disease can sometimes be present when a person is first diagnosed. It can also appear months or years after treatment for an earlier-stage cancer. The state said an estimated 20 to 30 percent of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer later develop metastatic disease, while 6 to 10 percent have metastatic breast cancer at their first diagnosis.
Metastatic breast cancer is treatable, but it is not currently considered curable. Treatment may slow the disease, relieve symptoms and help people live longer. The treatment plan depends on factors that include where the cancer has spread, the cancer’s biological features, prior treatments and the patient’s health and goals. The National Cancer Institute provides medically reviewed information about breast cancer stages, treatments, research and support.
People should not use an awareness article to diagnose themselves or change treatment. Anyone with symptoms, a breast cancer history or questions about follow-up care should speak directly with a qualified health professional.
Why the awareness campaign emphasizes research
The public often hears that early detection saves lives, and screening remains an important tool for finding many breast cancers at a more treatable stage. Metastatic breast cancer advocates stress a second truth: early detection does not guarantee that cancer will never return or spread.
Panelist Sally Joy Wolf said in the state’s announcement that her cancer returned as metastatic disease less than two years after a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Her experience, she said, shows why researchers need better ways to prevent recurrence, detect metastatic disease and develop treatments that keep people living well for decades.
The campaign reports that it has raised more than $2.7 million for METAvivor, a nonprofit focused on metastatic breast cancer research. The Oct. 13 livestream is scheduled to include patient stories, musical performances and scientific perspectives.
Watch #LightUpMBC Live directly on YouTube.
Black women continue to face a higher death rate
The state drew particular attention to racial inequities. Its announcement said non-Hispanic Black women have a higher breast cancer death rate than women in other racial and ethnic groups. Roundtable participant Ceceilia Parnther said Black women are about 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than White women.
The numbers do not mean race itself determines an individual’s outcome. Access to timely screening, follow-up testing, specialists, treatment, clinical trials and stable insurance can all influence care. Transportation, paid time away from work and trust in the health system can also affect whether people receive help quickly and consistently.
For Mohawk Valley families, addressing those gaps requires more than a yearly awareness campaign. Health systems, public agencies and community organizations can help by making information easy to understand, offering navigation services, improving transportation and reaching people through trusted neighborhood groups.
Landmarks participating across New York
The state listed about 30 New York landmarks expected to use teal, green and pink lighting. They include One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the State Education Building, Empire State Plaza, the State Fairgrounds Main Gate and Expo Center, Niagara Falls, the Fairport Lift Bridge and the Albany International Airport Gateway.
The lighting is symbolic, but the governor’s office tied it to specific public-health resources and a call for continued research. The state also noted that it expanded insurance protections for breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging in 2024.
Screening and coverage resources for Mohawk Valley residents
Screening is not a test for every form of metastatic recurrence, but routine mammography can identify many breast cancers earlier. People with a previous breast cancer diagnosis or an elevated risk may need a different follow-up schedule, additional imaging or other testing. Those decisions should be made with a treating clinician.
For people without insurance
The New York State Cancer Services Program provides free breast cancer screening and follow-up diagnostic services to eligible uninsured New Yorkers. Residents can call 1-866-442-CANCER (1-866-442-2262) at any time to be connected with a participating program. Translation services are available.
For people with New York-regulated insurance
The state Department of Financial Services publishes a guide to breast cancer screening and treatment rights. It explains coverage for preventive mammograms, certain diagnostic imaging, second opinions, treatment and reconstruction. Some protections depend on the type of insurance plan, so residents should check their plan documents or contact the insurer.
People who believe a New York-regulated insurer improperly denied care can contact the DFS Consumer Hotline at 800-342-3736. A denial involving medical necessity, experimental treatment or some out-of-network services may also qualify for an external appeal.
Useful local reading
The Phoenix recently reported on New York’s breast cancer screening rate and how to find care in the Mohawk Valley. Readers can also review the Phoenix guide to keeping preventive health screenings organized.
Awareness should lead to year-round support
Colored lights can make metastatic breast cancer visible for one evening. Patients and families need attention throughout the year, including research funding, reliable insurance coverage, access to specialists, emotional support and help navigating practical barriers.
Anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis should ask the care team whom to contact with questions, what symptoms require a prompt call, how follow-up will be scheduled and whether financial or transportation assistance is available. A patient navigator or oncology social worker may help coordinate those needs.
If this information could help someone in your family or community, share the state Cancer Services Program number and the screening-rights guide. Readers affected by metastatic breast cancer are also invited to tell the Utica Phoenix which local resources have been most helpful.
Sources: Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Financial Services and the National Cancer Institute. Featured and in-article images are AI-generated editorial illustrations and do not depict specific patients, clinicians or participating landmarks.
