State Research Initiative Eyes Cancer Rates On Staten Island
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo is stepping up efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer across the state.
As 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported, Staten Island is among four locations the a new cancer research initiative will focus on.
It's a half-million-dollar cancer study that's aimed at answering 'why?' Cuomo asked, why do some areas have a higher rate of cancer?
"Why does Staten Island have a higher rate of cancer than the other boroughs?" Cuomo asked.
Some believe it could be rooted in location.
"We do have our theories that there is a cancer alley here on Staten Island," State Senator Andrew Lanza said.
Residents on Staten Island suspect proximity to New Jersey's chemical companies and the old Fresh Kills landfill plays a part.
Cuomo said the year-long study by the state health and environmental conservation departments will also focus on Long Island, the Buffalo area, and upstate Warren County.