Breast Cancer Screenings for the Uninsured Planned Locally

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to fight back against the deadly disease, a local organization is offering the uninsured breast cancer screenings.

According to the Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County, almost 15,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 2,700 women die from the disease.

Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County aims to ensure that all age-appropriate women, whether or not they have health insurance, have access to breast cancer screening, a release said. Uninsured women who are 40 years of age and older may be able to get breast cancer screening through the Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County.

To that end, Peconic Bay Medical Center, Grossman Imaging Center and Cancer Services of Suffolk County are partnering together for the month of October hosting two events to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.
On Saturday, an event is slated for the Grossman Imaging Center in Manorville, "Massages, Mimosas & Meditation," including a presentation on breast health from 9 a.m. to noon.

Next, on October 5 at Peconic Bay Medical Center, a "lunch and learn" on breast health will begin at noon.
To register for these events, call 631-548-6827.

Breast cancer is most commonly found in women 50 years old or older, a release said.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years for women between 50 and 74 years of age. Women ages 40–49 years old are encouraged to talk to their health care providers about when and how often they should have screening mammograms. Any woman who is at high risk for breast cancer, as determined by a doctor, may need to begin screening earlier.

"Any woman, or man, who has symptoms or changes in their breasts should schedule an appointment with their doctor immediately. While very rare, it is possible for men to get breast cancer," CSP representatives said.

Although the causes of breast cancer are still unknown, some factors may increase a woman's chances of getting the disease, the release said.

• Getting older — most women are diagnosed when they are 50 years of age or older
• Having a first menstrual period younger than the age of 12
• Starting menopause older than 55 years of age
• Never giving birth, or giving birth to a first child after age 30
• Not breastfeeding
• Having had breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases
• Having a close family member, such as a parent, sibling, or child, who has had breast cancer, especially at an early age
• Having certain gene mutations such as BRCA 1 or BRCA 2
• Being overweight or obese
• Drinking alcohol
• Not getting enough exercise
• Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation to the chest area early in life
• Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy

In June, New York State passed legislation designed to help more women access breast cancer screening. The legislation expands screening hours at hospitals and clinics and removes insurance barriers.

Go to theNew York State Department of Health website for additional information about breast cancer, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment or contact the Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County at 631-369-2770 for information about the screenings.

Patch file photo.