Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Photo provided by the governor's office)

ALBANY — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a $25 million reduction to programs that fight cancer, diabetes and other public health challenges — a move intended to eliminate inefficiencies that is being fought by some lawmakers and health advocates who oppose the cuts.

Critics worry the cutbacks in Cuomo’s $152 billion budget proposal represent a reversal for a Democratic governor who last year made cancer screenings a key issue after his longtime companion, celebrity chef Sandra Lee, successfully overcame breast cancer.

Lee was by Cuomo’s side last summer when he signed legislation ordering hospitals to expand hours when mammograms are offered and requiring insurance companies to eliminate deductibles and co-pays for the screening and other diagnostic tests. He also approved $16 million in annual funding dedicated to breast cancer screenings, money that wouldn’t be affected by the proposed cuts.

Lawmakers and public health advocates say they are opposed to the proposed cuts to funding that supports screenings for cervical and colorectal cancer as well.

“It’s a vital service,” said Julie Hart, government relations director for the American Cancer Society in New York. “Over 25,000 New Yorkers received a free screening in the past year thanks to that program.”

The administration notes that it would be up to state health officials to make pinpointed reductions to obsolete or inefficient programs, and that it’s possible some individual programs could even see increased funding taken from other less valuable initiatives.