In citing the need for the Commission, it has been noted that those patients who are facing a cancer diagnosis have to leave the Suffolk County Department of Health’s eleven health centers to a private oncologist at which time locating a participating doctor as well as transportation issues become added problems.  The commission will  craft a plan designed to deal with many of the these problems. 

Legislator Nowick stated, “One of the greatest obstacles a person faces when given a diagnosis of cancer is fear.  Fear of the unknown, fear of mortality, fear of pain, fear of uncertainty, and for many people fear of insurance.  Too many people have either little, or inadequate, insurance coverage which can assist them in overcoming these fears.  I know that the American Cancer Society, through many of the wonderful outreach programs deals with many of the fears a person has once they have been diagnoses.  But the one aspect that remains is the fear of insurance coverage:  what will be covered, what doctors or specialists are available, and for many people – will my Medicaid be enough?”

“In Suffolk County, that answer for too many people has been an overwhelming ‘no’. By creating this Cancer Resources Commission, we intend to seek out ways to overcome the obstacles that these cancer patients find and to recommend a course of action so that we can assure that Suffolk County is providing the necessary health care to all residents.”

“A diagnosis of cancer is one of the most dreaded feelings a person can be given.  As Legislators, we have the opportunity to bring together a host of specialists in the health care industry to discern ways to improve the quality of health care to our residents, especially those in need.  Our goal is to create a new model for providing cancer services to those who are in situations where fear can hinder the ability to treat, and fight, cancer.  When this Cancer Resource Commission submits its findings and the Legislature begins to implement the recommendations, a person diagnosed with cancer will have one less fear to contend with and can concentrate on combating the disease.”

Once enacted, the Commission is required to present its report to the Suffolk County Legislature at least twice a year and issue a written report attesting to the status of its plan of action to the full Legislature within one year.  The Commission will be comprised of ten members, including the County commissioner of Health, a representative of the American Cancer Society, a representative from the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council and a representative of the Suffolk County Medical Society among them.