October is the time for screening

This year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the experts at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital-Atlanta (CSMH-Atlanta) encourage women to place themselves at the top of their “To-Do” Lists during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Women should celebrate this month by working with their physicians to schedule their 3D HD mammograms, the most advanced technology for finding breast cancer early now available at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital-Atlanta.

“We realize how busy women in the Atlanta area are during this time of year, but we urge them to make the bold step of moving themselves to the top of their lists to schedule their annual screening mammograms,” said Pam Purtle, BSRT (R) (M) ARRT, Radiology Supervisor at CSMH-Atlanta.

Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.

The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. In fact, mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40-percent since 1990.

“From area physicians and advanced practice providers to our nurses, administrators and every Associate on the team, we are all committed to helping the women of Atlanta and the Cass County area be aware of the importance of early detection of breast cancer,” said Micah Johnson, Administrator/Chief Nursing Officer, CSMH-Atlanta.

“This October, we are going to do all we can to make sure that women make their health a priority.”

Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging recommend that women receive annual mammograms starting at age 40 – even if they have no symptoms or family history of breast cancer. “We recommend women consult with their physicians or health care providers to determine what their individual needs are in relation to breast health,” advised Purtle.

“National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance for us to raise awareness about the importance of finding breast cancer early. Annual mammograms can detect cancer when it is most treatable, and they have also been shown to prevent the need for extensive treatment for advanced cancers and can improve chances of breast conservation,” said Purtle. “We can make a difference in our patients’ lives and in their families’ lives by encouraging our patients, friends, families and this community to take action.”

To celebrate October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, work with your physician to schedule your 3D HD mammogram today.

For more information about mammograms, go to ChristusStMichael.org/AtlantaImaging or feel free to call CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital-Atlanta Imaging Services at 903-799-3181.