Senator Flanagan Joins With Middle Country Public Library And Stony Brook Cancer Center For Free Mammogram Event In Centereach

Senator John Flanagan (2^nd Senate District), in conjunction with the Middle Country Public Library, is hosting the Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Mobile Mammography Van at the library’s Centereach location.  This no-cost breast cancer-screening event will be held from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, May 11^th at the library, which is located at 101 Eastwood Boulevard in Centereach.

Stony Brook University Cancer Center operates and staffs the mobile van, which is supported by more than $3 million in funding from the New York State Department of Health.  The van provides convenient access to screening services for all women in our area to ensure they get the information and services needed to protect themselves from breast cancer.

This event is for women 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. To help ensure proper coordination of the event, patients are being asked to schedule an appointment by calling 631-638-4135 or visiting https://cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu/Patients/MammoVan/register.

According to information provided by Stony Brook Cancer Center, most screenings are no charge to the patient since the cost of mammograms are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and almost all insurance companies.  Any resident without insurance will be referred to the New York State Cancer Services Program, which offers no cost exams to eligible individuals.

In New York State, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women.  Mammograms and breast cancer screenings can detect cancer at early stages, when it is most treatable.

"Regular screenings are widely known to be critically important in the fight against breast cancer. Many individuals, however, face a variety of challenges or obstacles that prevent them from seeking out and receiving these crucial medical services. Through the efforts of Stony Brook Cancer Center and Middle Country Public library, this event is aimed at making it more convenient for all women throughout our region to get their annual mammogram and receive other important information related to their health. Thank you to everyone at both the Stony Brook Cancer Center and the Middle Country Public Library for their assistance with coordinating this important event,” stated Senator Flanagan.

Senator Flanagan’s involvement with this event continues his efforts to help all women in New York State be better informed about their health.  This builds on the Breast Density Information law, sponsored by Senator Flanagan in 2012, which requires providers of mammography services to notify patients when they have dense breast tissue and to inform patients about the importance of discussing additional screening options with their doctor.

Please click here for more information on this important event, including eligibility requirements.