One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, making it one of the most common types of cancer among women. In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 310,000 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and 42,780 will die from the disease.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital are offering Saturday mammograms from now through the end of the year as a way to expand access to the life-saving tests to women who may not be able to have a mammogram during the work week.

“While October is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s crucial to remember that breast health is important every day of the year,” said Kimberly Lewis, manager of Oncology Services at Piedmont Macon. “Regular screenings, self-exams and staying informed about breast health can lead to early detection, which remains the key to improving negative outcomes. By fostering awareness, we empower individuals to prioritize their health and help reduce the impact of breast cancer in our community.”

This month’s breast cancer awareness events at Piedmont Macon include:

Saturday mammograms

• At Piedmont Macon Medical, women can schedule Saturday mammograms for the following dates:

• Oct. 5 and Oct. 19

• Nov. 2 and Nov. 16

• Dec. 7 and Dec. 21.

• At Piedmont Macon North, mammograms can be scheduled for:

• Oct. 12 and Oct. 26

• Nov. 9 and Nov. 23

• Dec. 14 and Dec. 28.

To schedule a mammogram appointment at either Piedmont Macon hospital, call 877.357.0161.

If you are uninsured and need a mammogram, Piedmont Macon recently received a $10,000 grant from Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer to provide underserved women in Middle Georgia with an access point for breast health screenings and diagnostics. This grant program aims to provide free breast health screenings and diagnostic services for uninsured patients. Piedmont Macon is currently accepting patients for this grant. Call 478.765.4889 for more information and to determine your eligibility.

Piedmont Tree of Hope

The public is invited to tie a pink ribbon on the Tree of Hope at Piedmont Macon Medical to recognize a loved one who has battled breast cancer. 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 at the Women’s Center, Building C, Suite 100, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Breast Cancer Community Education Events

• Oct. 9, 2 p.m., Riverside Library, 110 Holiday Drive, Macon.
• Oct. 17, 4:30 p.m., Shurling Library, 1769 Shurling Drive, Macon.
• Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Washington Memorial Library, 1180 Washington Ave., Macon.

The education events are free to the public, and Piedmont Macon nurse navigators will focus on the benefits of early detection, risk factors and genetic screening.