Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, overall, across the globe, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “Globally, breast cancer now represents one in four of all cancers in women,” according to the Foundation’s website. “In 2024, an estimated 313,510 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S.”
About 310,720 women in this country will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone, according to the Foundation’s research. Every two minutes a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and here on the East End there are lots of events, fundraisers and activities happening to help spread information on how to bring (and hopefully keep) breast cancer awareness to the front line of our thoughts. So, for the rest of this month, be sure to think pink and hit up these local events:
Pink Champagne Brunch in Southampton
The 10th annual Pink Champagne Brunch for Breast Cancer Awareness and Education will be this Sunday, Oct. 6. Beginning at noon at The Muses, the non-denominational event space located inside the complex of the Greek Orthodox Church of Southampton (111 St. Andrews Road) all proceeds will benefit the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. Hosted by St. Anna Philoptochos, the brunch is $35 per person, $10 for kids ages 12 and under. In addition to the brunch there’ll also be raffles, prizes and a “Greek” auction where participants can bid and buy on goods. RSVP by calling 631-283-6169 or email [email protected].
The Shelter Island 2024 5K Run-Walk
Celebrating its 25th year, this annual fall 5K Run and 5K walk is set for Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. starting at Shelter Island’s Crescent Beach (located at 35 Shore Road). All race proceeds go to Lucia’s Angels and the Coalition for Women’s Cancers (hosts of the annual Girls Night Out fundraiser at Gurney’s in Montauk on Nov. 9) as well as North Fork Breast Health Coalition. The 5K takes place rain or shine and pre-registration is $45, $25 for kids age 12 and under. Day of registration is $50, $30 for kids 12 and under. After the race, participants can enjoy refreshments, food, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction with prizes awards and a complimentary BBQ (while supplies last). To make a donation, contact [email protected].
The 2nd Annual Center Cancer Awareness Walk and a Breast Cancer Awarness Expo in Bridgehampton
On Saturday, Oct. 12, the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center hosts a walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. A community partner of the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, The Center’s breast cancer awareness walk costs $22.20 to participate in, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The walk starts at The Center’s 551 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike location, circling the Bridgehampton Volunteer Fire Department on the south side of Montauk Highway on School Street, before returning back. All community organizations, businesses, church and families are welcome to participate and there’ll be a light breakfast before the walk, a light lunch after the walk is over, and talks from survivors. For more information contact Camryn Highsmith at [email protected] or call 631-537-0616 ext. 105.
Later this month, on Saturday, Oct. 26, The Center will host the 3rd annual breast cancer awareness expo featuring day-long, in-person informative sessions, resources and stories for patients, survivors and families. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from experts, connect with others and learn how to make a difference in fighting breast cancer. Expo is slated to run from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Breast Cancer Awareness at East End Libraries
On Thursday, Oct. 17, the Hampton Bays Public Library is collaborating with the East Hampton Library to host a Zoom meeting with Dr. Edna Kapenhas, who leads the breast surgery and breast surgical oncology program at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and who also serves as the medical director of the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center. From noon to 1 p.m., Kapenhas will be on hand to speak about risk factors, warning signs and treatment options that are available to patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis. This talk is free and available to everyone.
The Hampton Bays Library will also be hosting mobile mammogram screenings on Monday Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pink Tree Lighting in Southampton
All are welcome to join the Southampton Chamber of Commerce for a pink tree lighting later today, at 6:30 p.m., on Main Street in Southampton. The pink tree, set to be lit all month long will be located at 76 Main Street, with the lighting ceremony also including members of the Coalition for Women’s Cancers as well as Lucia’s Angels, in a hope to raise awareness and serve as a reminder to everyone to get routine checkups and screenings.
