Paint Port Pink, Mather Hospital's annual month-long breast cancer community awareness and outreach in partnership with the Village of Port Jefferson, returns this October starting with the lighting of pink lights by community partners throughout Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station and surrounding areas.
Paint Port Pink raises awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening - specifically annual mammograms -- as early diagnosis has the highest rates of recovery. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers and accounts for about 30% (or one in three) of all new female cancers each year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). For 2025, the ACS estimates there will be about 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 42,170 women will die from breast cancer. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%, or a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer, according to the ACS.
A mammogram can reveal a tumor as much as two years before you or your healthcare professional can feel it. Following the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines, Mather Hospital's Fortunato Breast Health Center recommends that women have an annual mammography screening starting at age 40. In some higher risk situations, earlier screening or additional testing may be recommended. You can schedule a mammogram by calling 631-476-2771.
The Fortunato Breast Health Center uses state-of-the-art breast imaging technology in a warm and assuring environment with a commitment to giving you personalized breast health care. Their staff of professionals provides 3D mammograms and offers individualized follow-up care, education for patients, families and the community, as well as breast cancer support groups.
For those with a breast cancer diagnosis, the Center's compassionate nurse navigators provide personal guidance with scheduling appointments for tests and follow-up procedures, getting prescriptions, insurance questions, and any other help you may need. Mather Hospital has a dedicated breast surgeon and offers breast reconstructive surgery. Nurse navigators will explain every step throughout your journey.
The Pink Angels Preoperative Program is designed to provide confidential support, guidance, and reassurance during this critical time. Services include acupuncture, meditation, reiki, and aromatherapy.
As part of Paint Port Pink, Mather will host events designed to engage and educate the community, including:
Psychic Night -- The 2 South Oncology unit is hosting an evening with psychic Christopher Allan on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Port Jefferson Moose Lodge in Mount Sinai from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more about this fundraiser for the Fortunato Breast Health Center at matherhospital.org/psychic
EmpowerHER: Mather's annual women's health symposium will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Spring Lake Golf Club in Middle Island from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The program includes four healthcare professionals speaking on different aspects of women's health and includes a light dinner. Register and get more information at matherhospital.org/empowerher
Wear Pink Day/ National Mammography Day: Get your pink on for Friday, Oct. 17 and post your photos on social media with #wear pink day and #paintportpink.
Window Decorating Contest: Local businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows for Paint Port Pink and submit their photos to [email protected] by Friday, Oct. 17.
Pink Your Pumpkin: Mather's popular contest encourages people to decorate their pumpkins in a way that helps raise awareness about breast cancer. Find your perfect pumpkin, pink it up, take a photo and email it to [email protected] by October 21. Include Pink Your Pumpkin in the subject line and then post on your social media with #paintportpink.