Phoebe offers free mammograms in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Albany Herald, Ga.
·2 min read

Sep. 23—ALBANY — In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Phoebe's Carlton Breast Health Center will offer 100 free 3-D mammograms in October to women who are uninsured and are due for their annual screening.

"It is important that women continue their annual screenings and mammograms, which are vital to early breast cancer detection and successful treatment," Ursula Dennis-Mathis, the oncology quality director at Phoebe Cancer Center, said.

The free 3-D mammograms will be provided to the first 100 eligible women who make appointments at the Carlton Breast Health Center. To be considered for one of the free breast tomosynthesis screenings, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

— not have had a mammogram in the last 12 months;

— age 40 or older;

— not experiencing any breast problems, (if you are experiencing breast problems, contact your doctor immediately);

— uninsured;

— not pregnant;

— live in one of the following counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell, Tift, Turner, Worth;

— must have a referring physician.

Carlton Breast Health Center began using 3-D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) more than five years ago. During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. The 3-D view of the breast tissue helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

Tomosynthesis technology has a 40 percent higher invasive cancer detection rate than conventional 2-D mammography alone and provides up to a 40 percent reduction in false positive recalls. The system also offers exceptional sharp images and ergonomic design for patient comfort.

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women. For 2021, the American Cancer Society estimates nearly 281,550 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed, roughly 49,290 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ will be diagnosed (DCIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer), and nearly 43,600 people will lose their battle with the disease. The Carlton Breast Health Center urges women to remember breast cancer screenings are an important part of personal health.

To schedule an appointment, call Phoebe Patient Contact Center at (229) 312-4800. Scheduling for the free mammograms is underway.