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

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 fatality rate.

“Although October is traditionally Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it should be on people’s minds every month – to be self-aware and to know your body and report any changes,” said Christine Wright, interim oncology director at Piedmont Macon. “Catching breast cancer early is key.”

Wright said women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40, or even earlier if they are indicated for high-risk or have a family history.

This month, Piedmont Macon Medical Center is offering Saturday screening mammograms Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 by appointment from 8 until 11:30 a.m. Mammograms are also available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. To schedule, call 877.357.0161.

To help honor women who have had or who are currently facing breast cancer, Piedmont Macon invites the public to tie a pink ribbon on the Tree of Hope in front of Building C during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbons may be in memory of someone who lost their fight or in honor of someone who survived or is currently being treated for breast cancer. Ribbons may be picked up at Piedmont Macon Oncology in Building C, Suite 120 or the Women’s Center, Building C, Suite 100, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Piedmont Macon, 350 Hospital Drive, offers a full complement of breast screenings and other tests to help detect breast cancer early. Services include:

3-D mammography
Breast MRI
Breast MRI biopsy and ultrasound
Breast surgery
Digital mammography
Genetic testing
Sentinel node procedure
Stereotactic breast biopsy
Ultrasound-guided biopsy.

Piedmont Macon North Hospital, 400 Charter Blvd., offers both 3-D and digital mammography and refers patients to Piedmont Macon for any additional procedures.

Keith Martin, M.D., said Piedmont Macon and Macon North both offer patient-centered care when dealing with breast cancer.

“The fear and uncertainty of not knowing what to expect during the breast cancer treatment can be one of the most difficult problems patients face,” said Dr. Martin, a Piedmont surgeon. “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.”

Kimberly Lewis, oncology breast nurse navigator at Piedmont Macon, said the hospital has oncology-certified nurse navigators who will discuss and provide education and resources for breast health and breast cancer education. Piedmont Macon Oncology also has a genetic counselor available for genetic evaluation and testing. For more information, call 478.765.4805 or visit www.piedmont.org.