Piedmont Newnan Hospital Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month

From Piedmont Newnan Press Release

One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, making it the single most common type of cancer among women.

Eighty percent of these women do not have any of the reported risk factors, other than being female and aging.  The key to surviving breast cancer is early diagnosis, and a mammogram is the first line of defense against breast cancer and remains the most reliable screening tool for doctors.

In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 290,000 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and more than 43,700 will die from the disease. In Georgia, an estimated 9,170 women will be diagnosed this year.

For decades, October has been designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but experts say it will take year-round vigilance to better fight breast cancer and lower the mortality rate.

“Although October is traditionally Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it should be on people’s minds every month – to be self-aware, to know your body, and report any changes,” said Windy Dean-Colomb, M.D., medical oncologist at Piedmont Newnan. “Catching breast cancer early is key.”

Dr. Dean-Colomb has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and specializes in breast and prostate cancer. Her special interests include eliminating cancer disparity by increasing access to care for people from all walks of life and promoting personalized medicine through increased genomic testing. She treats all solid tumors and non-acute hematologic malignancies.

Dean-Colomb said women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40, or even earlier if they are indicated as high-risk due to a genetic mutation or family history.

To help those diagnosed, Piedmont Newnan has oncology-certified nurse navigators who will discuss and provide education and resources for breast health and breast cancer education, as well as all types of cancer. Piedmont Newnan also has a genetic counselor available for genetic evaluation and testing. For more information, visit www.piedmont.org.

“The fear and uncertainty of not knowing what to expect during breast cancer treatment can be one of the most difficult problems patients face,” said Dr. Dean-Colomb. “By alleviating that uncertainty and providing information that gives patients the power to understand their treatment and expected prognosis, our breast care team strives to partner with our patients for their journey.”

In addition to providing increased access to care locally and globally through participation in cancer medical missions, Dr. Dean-Colomb strives to make sure patients have access to the most cutting-edge treatment options, including clinical trials. 

An oncology support group is held the fourth Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2:30 p.m.  for patients managing a diagnosis of any type of cancer. Those who are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or have completed treatment are invited to participate. For more information on the oncology support group and to register, call 770-400-4052 or email [email protected].

For a holist approach to cancer management, the Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center at Piedmont Newnan offers complimentary support services and programs such as yoga, cooking demonstrations, expressive art classes and counseling to anyone affected by cancer, regardless of whether or not he or she is a Piedmont patient.

To learn more about Dr. Dean-Colomb and Piedmont’s oncology options, visit piedmont.org/cancer.