October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and doctors at Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center invite the community to help raise awareness about breast cancer by encouraging screening for early detection and treatment.
Accounting for about 30 percent of all new female cancers each year, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2022 about 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, leading to about 43,250 deaths.
In Georgia, the ACS estimates that there will be about 9,170 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2022, resulting in about 1,410 deaths.
For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since 2007, breast cancer death rates have been steady in women younger than 50, but have continued to decrease in older women. The ACS believes these decreases are the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.
“Screening mammograms should be performed annually and other screenings according to risk stratification. Just as important is a physical exam. Ignore no symptoms and see your physician if you experience any issues,” said Dr. Arnold Conforti, an Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center surgical oncologist.
Annual well-woman visits are a great time to ask your doctor about getting a mammogram. The ACS recommends that women ages 40 to 44 talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. Women ages 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year. Women ages 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or can continue yearly screenings. Screenings should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
To promote breast cancer awareness and education, Atrium Health Navicent will hold the following events during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Mammogram Marathon on Oct. 6
All Atrium Health Navicent mammography locations will host a Mammography Marathon from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. No appointment is necessary and walk-ins are welcome. All locations offer 3D mammography technology. Screening grants are available for uninsured and underinsured patients. Call 478-633-7020 to check grant eligibility.
Locations include:
• Atrium Health Navicent Breast Care Center, 800 First St., Suite 310, Macon
• Atrium Health Navicent Imaging and Laboratory, 1650 Hardeman Ave., Macon
• Atrium Health Navicent Imaging Northwest, 5925 Zebulon Road, Macon
• Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, 821 North Cobb St., Milledgeville
• Atrium Health Navicent Peach, 1960 Ga. 247 Connector, Byron
• Atrium Health Navicent Imaging Monroe, 120 North Lee St., Suite B, Forsyth
Paint the Park Pink on Oct. 8
Join Atrium Heath Navicent for a fun-filled event to help raise community awareness about breast cancer prevention from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Carolyn Crayton Park, 150 Willie Smokie Glover Drive in Macon. This event will include education and awareness opportunities, fun activities, giveaways, food trucks and vendors.
Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center provides the latest technology for the early detection of breast cancer, including state-of-the-art 3D mammography and new SCOUT technology, as well as 3D biopsies, same-day biopsies, breast ultrasounds, 3D mammography, wireless breast localization biopsies, molecular breast imaging and breast MRI. High-risk hereditary screenings are also available.
The caring and experienced team of specialists at the Cancer Center offer services ranging from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship support. New medical oncology offerings now allow Atrium Health Navicent to provide a full continuum of cancer care.
The Cancer Center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer with Commendation – Gold Level. The Breast Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and is a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence by the National Consortium of Breast Centers National Quality Measures for Breast Centers.
If you or a loved one has concerns about cancer risk factors, available screenings or cancer care, contact Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center at 478-633-3000. To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.
Original source can be found here.
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