Peconic Bay Medical Center offering free breast cancer screenings Oct. 24

Peconic Bay Medical Center is offering free breast cancer screenings later this month as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The hospital, in partnership with North Fork Radiology, will host a no-cost screening event Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1333 Roanoke Ave. in Riverhead. No registration is required, there are no eligibility requirements and uninsured patients are welcome.

The event comes as PBMC is encouraging East End residents to stay current with mammograms, which can detect breast cancer before symptoms develop and when the disease is often most treatable.

“Too many people put off screening because they feel fine, are busy, or worry about cost,” PBMC President Amy Loeb said. “But breast cancer often has no symptoms in its earliest and most treatable stages.”

Women at average risk are generally advised to begin discussing regular mammograms with their health care providers starting at age 40. Those with a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations or other risk factors may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening.

PBMC also offers breast cancer treatment and survivorship services in Riverhead, including exercise oncology programs designed to help patients maintain strength, mobility and overall well-being before, during and after cancer treatment. More information about the Oct. 24 screening is available by emailing [email protected].

PBMC courtesy photos. Credit: Jim Lennon/ Jim Lennon Photographer, Inc.