St. James Mercy Hospital will receive $1.2 million to provide breast, cervical and colorectal cancer prevention services to Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben counties.

The award is part of a $43.8 million state program to support cancer prevention and early detection programs statewide over the next five years. The programs receiving money participate in the state Cancer Services Program, which aims to reduce disparities in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality through free cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured, low-income populations. Programs participating in the Cancer Prevention in Action Program, which is tasked with engaging community stakeholders to reinforce healthy behaviors and reduce cancer risk, will also receive funding.

“The threat of cancer knows no income level nor status, and New York is working to ensure that all men and women have access to the life-saving benefits of early detection and prevention services,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “This investment is a major step forward in our efforts to support healthy communities while securing New York’s position as a leader in cancer prevention efforts. We will continue to work to raise awareness and promote access to high quality screening for all.”