Cancer Services

Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County at Peconic Bay Medical Center

A program of Peconic Bay Medical Center, in partnership with the Suffolk County Cancer Services Program, funded by the NYS Department of Health.

There’s a reason why Peconic Bay Medical Center is considered a top Long Island medical center, and that’s because we put patients first. We believe that every person in Suffolk County deserves access to high-quality health care, especially cancer screenings. As part of our cancer services program, we offer free cancer screening to uninsured residents of Suffolk County who meet eligibility requirements.

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Who should get screened, and when?

Many factors contribute to your risk of developing cancer, including age, gender and genetics. Regular cancer screenings can help detect a problem in its earliest stages, increasing the chance of survival.

Breast, cervical and colon cancer often show no early symptoms, so screenings are the only safe route to early detection.

Breast cancer screening

• Women 40 and older, or those at high risk

Cervical cancer screening

• Women 40 and older

Colorectal cancer screening

• Women and men, 45 and older

Prostate cancer screening

• Men 50 and older 

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What to expect from a cancer screening

A cancer screening is a routine part of a comprehensive health exam. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare.

Breast cancer screenings

• A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast. During a screening mammogram, images are typically taken from two different angles to allow the doctor to get a complete picture of the breast tissue
• A physician performs a clinical breast exam to determine whether you have any changes or abnormalities in your breasts.

Cervical cancer screenings

• A Pap test involves taking a small sample of cells from the cervix. These cells can be tested to determine if they are cancerous or precancerous.
• The pelvic exam is a physical examination in which the physician examines the pelvic organs for abnormalities.

Colorectal cancer screening

• The American Cancer Society recommends people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45. Ask your doctor which kind of screenings are right for you.
• Blood in the stool is a sign of precancerous polyps or colon cancer, but it can be difficult to observe. The fecal immunochemical test kit is a state-of-the-art test of a stool sample to determine whether blood may be present. 
• During a colonoscopy, the doctor examines the large intestine’s inner lining using a probe equipped with a high-resolution camera.

Testing and treatment

If screening tests find something abnormal, diagnostic testing services are available for eligible men and women at no cost.

If breast, cervical or colorectal cancer is found, eligible men and women may be able to enroll in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program to receive full coverage for the entire time they are being treated for cancer.

Additional Support

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer by a doctor in this program may be able to enroll in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program as well. (The Program does not offer free prostate cancer screening or diagnostic services).