News stories tagged with "cancer"

(05/11/12) The American Cancer Society and other health groups are pressing for a law in New York State that would ban anyone under the age of 18 from using a tanning salon. They argue the growing risk of cancer to young people is too great a threat to ignore. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has the details. more

(09/20/11) What we know about the causes of and best treatments for cancer has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few decades. But more knowledge doesn't mean less controversy.

That's especially true with the link between cancer and environmental factors. In 2010, the federal government began encouraging states to bring environmental factors into their cancer treatment and prevention plans.

But many scientists and anti-cancer activists in New York state, say that hasn't happened--and they want to make sure environmental causes don't get ignored.

Nora Flaherty has this report on the battle over Persistent Organic Pollutants. more

(09/14/11) Canoeists and kayakers will make some waves toward a cure for breast cancer in Inlet on Saturday, September 24th. Hundreds of canoes and kayaks will converge in a large flotilla on Fourth Lake as part of the "One Square Mile of Hope" event.

In 2008, more than $50,000 was raised for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, and 1,104 paddlers set a world record for the most canoes/kayaks within a square mile on a body of water at the same time.

Organizers are going for the title again this month because Pittsburgh won the title last year and has challenged Inlet to a world title "float-off". Todd Moe talks with organizer Connie Perry, of "Frisky Otter Tours" in Inlet, who says the event is open to everyone. For more information: 315-357-5501

(02/23/11) The Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo is now offering the first-ever vaccine to treat cancer. But as the Innovation Trail's Daniel Robison reports, the drug isn't for everyone. more

(04/23/10) For more than 30 years, Warren Dyke, of Colton, has helped organize an event to fight cancer. He was a marathon runner for years and lost a brother to cancer in the 1970's. Todd Moe spoke with him about Sunday's 32nd annual Edward I. Moses Walk/Run for Life at St. Lawrence University. The goal this year is to raise the millionth dollar. Dyke says many who participate do so in memory of a family member or friend.

(10/28/09) A rural tradition is now a thing of the past, or at least, so says the law. Two weeks ago, New York outlawed burn barrels and many other types of open burning. You can still burn brush and small tree limbs and have small campfires. The question is will people obey the new burn ban? David Sommerstein surveyed some residents and has our story.

(10/15/09) New York's ban on open burning took effect yesterday. With the exception of small brush and campfires, it's now illegal to burn trash, papers, plastics and even leaves anywhere in the state. The new law's provoked applause and outrage in places like the North Country, where backyard burn barrels have been a sign of everyday rural life. Supporters of the ban celebrated yesterday. And a project is ramping up to help farmers recycle the agricultural plastics many used to burn. David Sommerstein reports.

(09/10/09) The annual Arts and Healing Retreat for Women has expanded to include two events in the Adirondacks this fall. Todd Moe has a preview.

(07/27/09) Twenty-five years ago this summer, Jeff Blatnick won a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Schenectady native's upset victory in Graeco-Roman wrestling was one of the big stories of the 1984 summer games. It also marked one of the most dramatic comebacks in sports history. Blatnick lives now and coaches in Saratoga County. But his sports career was nearly cut short, first by cold war politics and then by a brutal fight with cancer. Brian Mann has our profile.

(03/02/09) State environment officials say a revised ban on open burning will be made public "in the very near future." Department of Environmental Conservation spokeswoman Laurie Severino says the first draft of the ban received thousands of public comments. She says "pretty significant changes" have been made in the new version. The burn ban targets the widespread rural practice of burning garbage outside, especially in backyard burn barrels. The low temperature burn of a burn barrel releases toxic pollution and an acrid smell. Some rural communities are already trying to change their trash disposal habits. Todd Melby reports.