Bill > A05724

This bill, known as "Siena's Law", amends the New York education law to expand health education curriculum regarding cancer prevention and detection, with a specific focus on breast cancer screening and self-examination. The bill requires that instruction about breast cancer be an integral part of health education courses at the senior high school level, and mandates that this instruction include age and developmentally appropriate teaching on how to perform breast self-examinations. Additionally, the bill provides flexibility for local boards of education and the New York City school district chancellor to offer breast cancer instruction in elementary and middle schools as they deem appropriate. The existing law already required instruction on prevention and detection methods for various cancers, but this amendment specifically emphasizes breast cancer education and self-examination techniques. The bill will take effect on the first of July following its passage into law, ensuring that schools have time to update their health education curricula accordingly.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5724