FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (March 9, 2009) - Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women according to the American Cancer Society. One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. An estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed among U.S. women in 2008. In order to help combat this disease, Piedmont Fayette Hospital’s Women’s Imaging Center will be hosting its “Mammogram Saturdays” on Saturday, March 14, and Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Screening mammograms will be available during this time. To make an appointment, call 770-719-7007.
“Women are often busy running around taking care of everyone in their lives and tend to put themselves behind the people they love when it comes to healthcare. It is extremely important however for them to keep us with their own healthcare needs,” said Nicole L. Sroka, M.D., breast surgeon at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. “One of these vital screenings is routine screening mammography. Most often, this test is put off by women because of their busy day-to-day schedules. Now they have an option to have this screening done on Saturdays at PFH’s Women’s Imaging Center.”
Breast cancer was named the seventh leading cause of death in American women according to a 2005 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Cancer society names breast cancer as the second leading cause of cancer related death in women. In 2008, about 40,480 women were expected to die from breast cancer in the U.S.
There are several breast cancer risk factors. Some, such as gender, age, race, genetics and family history, are unchangeable. Other lifestyle choices including smoking, drinking and diet all play a role in the increased likelihood of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can help make a difference toward a woman’s health in the long run.
In order to detect breast cancer at an early stage, it is recommended that all women over the age of 40 receive yearly mammograms. All women, beginning at the age of 20, are encouraged to conduct monthly breast self-examinations. If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is suggested that you begin regular mammogram screenings before age 40. In any instance if you detect a mass similar to a lump you should seek the immediate advice of your physician.
Piedmont Fayette Hospital’s Women’s Imaging Center is located in the 1279 Building, Highway 54 West, Suite 120. Women scheduled for a screening mammogram or bone density screening should bring photo identification, insurance information and primary care physician’s name. Screening mammography is covered by most insurance plans; feel free to check with your provider.
To make an appointment, call 770-719-7007. Future Mammogram Saturday dates will be announced soon. For more information call 770-719-6600 or visit www.fayettehospital.org.