NYS, neighbors discuss higher cancer rates on Buffalo's East Side

People living in Western Cheektowaga and on Buffalo's East Side see higher rates of six different types of cancer, according to New York State. Now, the Department of Health is trying to figure out why that's the case.

NYSDOH is launching cancer studies for four different regions. Parts of Suffolk County, Staten Island and Glens Falls are also being studied.

Western Cheektowaga and the East Side of Buffalo see elevated incidence of colorectal, esophageal, kidney, lung, oral and prostate cancers. That's based on the New York State Cancer Registry, which collects reports on cancer diagnoses and other information from health care providers

At a meeting on Thursday night at the Buffalo Museum of Science the Department of Health didn't have specific answers to why cancer rates were higher, rather they were looking for some guidance. 
They're looking for reasons to explain why the rate of six types of cancer are higher in an area east of The 33 and west of The 90.
  
“We'll be here to provide support to community members for 2019 and beyond and likely have future recommendations for future studies,” said Brad Hutton, a deputy commissioner with the NYS Office of Public Health.