Peconic Bay Medical Center, Grossman Imaging Center and Cancer Services of Suffolk County partnered this month to raise awareness for breast cancer, a disease that kills 2,700 women each each year in New York state alone.
An event called Massages, Mimosas and Mindfulness was hosted on October 14 at the Grossman Imaging Center and it looked to highlight the importance of screenings.
“We at the Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County encourage every woman over the age of 40 to get screened for breast and cervical cancer,” CSP outreach coordinator Nicole Menard said. “Early detection saves lives.”
Attendees received complimentary massages and mimosas, as well as meditation sessions and enjoyed a breakfast buffet. Arlene Allen, a nurse at CSP presented updates on breast health.
Menard said in a statement that the hospital offers free screenings for breast cancer, a program that has been in effect since 2006 and encourages women, and men, to take advantage. About 15,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in New York state according to state’s Department of Health.
Although breast cancer is most commonly found in women 50 years and older, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Fork recommends a mammogram every two years for women ages 50 to 74 years old. Any woman who is at a high risk for breast cancer may need to begin screening earlier. Although rare, some men can also get breast cancer and are encouraged to seek an appointment with a doctor if they have symptoms or changes in their breasts.
For more information regarding prevention, diagnosis and treatment please visit the New York State Department of Health website.
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