Paint Port Pink, Mather Hospital’s breast cancer awareness community outreach, returns this October starting with the lighting of pink lights by community partners throughout Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station and surrounding areas.

Sponsored by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and Riverhead Toyota, Paint Port Pink is a month-long outreach by the Fortunato Breast Health Center with the mission of raising awareness about breast cancer, sharing information and education and fostering solidarity in the community.

Now in its 12th year, the event stresses the importance of 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 2026, the ACS estimates there will be about 321,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 42,140 women are expected to die from the disease. 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.