PNH: Screening Mammograms Key for Early Detection of Breast Cancer
From Piedmont Newnan Hospital
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, making breast cancer one of the most common types of cancer among women.
In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 310,720 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S., and more than 42,000 women will die from breast cancer. Although U.S. deaths associated with breast cancer continue to decline, more can still be done to increase early detection and survival rates.
Mammography is the best way to screen for breast cancer, checking for the disease before symptoms appear. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can detect abnormalities in the breast tissue. Regular mammography screening has been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends routine mammograms for women starting at age 40. Women are encouraged to speak with their primary care physician about their risk factors, as well as to determine the right time for them to start getting mammograms.
Mammogram technology has greatly improved, and Piedmont Newnan Hospital is recognized by The American College of Radiology as a Breast Center of Excellence. The Faye Hendrix-Ware Breast Health Center (BHC) and Piedmont Outpatient Center (POC) at Piedmont Newnan both offer the latest in breast imaging, including tomosynthesis 3-dimensional (3D) breast imaging and breast biopsy.
Tomosynthesis 3-dimensional breast imaging produces a series of contiguous, thin slices of breast tissue allowing doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. The centers also offer breast ultrasound along with ultrasound guided biopsy and bone densitometry. Screening mammography exams remain the gold standard for breast examination.
For patients who do learn they have breast cancer and require treatment, Piedmont Newnan has a medical oncologist, Windy Dean-Colomb, M.D., breast surgeons, an on-site infusion center, and a nurse navigator dedicated to helping breast cancer patients. Although no screening test is 100% effective, the combination of routine self-breast exams, an annual clinical breast exam, and mammography have been shown to be very effective means of screening for breast cancer.
To schedule your mammogram, visit piedmontmammo.org.
