New York Must Take Action on Bill A00479 to Prevent Colorectal Cancer Deaths

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, though it is one of the most preventable cancers with early detection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raising CRC screening rates from 68% to 100% would prevent 68% of CRC deaths—approximately 35,530 lives each year. Despite the clear benefits, many older New Yorkers delay or forgo screening, often citing a lack of time as a primary barrier.

Bill A00479 seeks to change that by ensuring employees have the time needed to undergo this life saving procedure. However, despite its importance, this bill has failed to move forward in the New York Legislature for three consecutive sessions. Now, more than ever, lawmakers must prioritize this issue and pass the bill to support public health and cancer prevention.

The Case for Paid Leave for Cancer Screenings

Paid leave for cancer screenings is a proven strategy to increase screening rates and save lives. Research shows that employees with paid sick leave are 23% more likely to obtain preventive care, including recommended cancer screenings. Without guaranteed paid time off, many workers—particularly those in low-wage or hourly jobs—must choose between a potentially life-saving screening and a lost paycheck. The passage of the Affordable Care Act ensured that most individuals have health insurance covering preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost. However, without the ability to take time off work, many employees still struggle to access these services.

Current New York Policies and Gaps

New York State currently provides most public employees with four hours of paid leave for breast and prostate cancer screenings, separate from any other sick or vacation time. However, this policy does not cover all employees, nor does it account for the additional time required for a colorectal cancer screening, which typically necessitates a full day off due to bowel preparation, the procedure itself, and recovery time from sedation.

While only New York public employees are currently covered by the four hours of paid leave per year for cancer screenings, the state encourages private sector businesses to adopt similar policies to support their employees' health and well-being.

Some New York jurisdictions have taken steps to expand paid leave for cancer screenings:

• Broome County, NY (2013): Expanded paid leave for cancer screenings to include four hours of paid time off for colorectal cancer screenings in addition to the state-mandated leave for breast and prostate cancer screenings.

• Schenectady County, NY (2015): Expanded paid leave for all cancer screenings (excluding those already covered by state law) by granting four hours of paid leave.

The Economic and Health Benefits of Screening Access

Providing paid leave for cancer screenings benefits both employees and employers. Each cancer diagnosis is estimated to cost businesses $1,601 annually in lost productivity. Early detection of colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers dramatically improves treatment outcomes, reducing overall healthcare costs. Research also suggests that employers offering paid leave for health screenings experience:

• A healthier and more productive workforce

• Lower direct medical costs

• Reduced worker compensation and disability claims

• Lower turnover and recruitment costs

Why New York Must Act Now

New York has the opportunity to lead by example in the fight against colorectal cancer. Bill A00479 would remove a significant barrier to screening, particularly for lower-income workers who are least likely to have flexible work schedules. Passing this bill could directly contribute to saving thousands of lives while improving public health outcomes and economic productivity.

Now is the time for the Legislature to act and support this critical public health measure. Ensuring paid leave for CRC screenings is not just a matter of policy—it is a life-saving action that New York can and must take.

1. Steinzor, Pearl. “5 Things to Know about Colorectal Cancer.” AJMC, March 7, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/5-things-to-know-about-colorectal-cancer. 

2. “Preventing Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Deaths: Assessing the Impact of Increased Screening.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 8, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0039.htm#:~:text=Our%20estimate%20of%2068%25%20(35%2C530,from%2060%25%20to%20100%25. 

3. “Why Do People Avoid Colonoscopies?,” The Science of Health, May 8, 2023, https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/05/why-do-people-avoid-colonoscopy.

4. New York State Department of Health “Paid Leave: A Benefit for Employers and Employees” https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/educational_materials/docs/paid_leave_a_benefit.pdf 

5. New York State Department of Health “Paid Leave: A Benefit for Employers and Employees” 

6. “New York State Breast Cancer Services.” The State of New York. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.ny.gov/get-screened-no-excuses/new-york-state-breast-cancer-services. 

7. New York State Department of Health “Paid Leave: A Benefit for Employers and Employees”

8. New York State Department of Health “Paid Leave: A Benefit for Employers and Employees”

9. New York State Department of Health “Paid Leave: A Benefit for Employers and Employees”

10. New York State Department of Health “Paid Leave: A Benefit for Employers and Employees”