Breast Cancer Prevention, Detection and Treatment
Like many kinds of cancer, a key to preventing and surviving breast cancer is early detection. It starts with self-exams every month, as well as regularly scheduled mammograms and physician breast exams. If you are 35, it is time to schedule your baseline mammogram, and if you are over 40, you should schedule a mammogram each year.
Choosing the right medical partner to help you maintain breast health is important. At Piedmont, our comprehensive team of experts - physicians, nurses and technologists - is sensitive to each patient's individual needs and have access to the latest technologies to quickly screen and diagnose our patients.
Our team delivers more than expertise - we take the time to make sure every patient is educated, informed, and above all, comfortable. If you do have a diagnosis that requires treatment, a breast cancer nurse navigator will be with you each step of the way.
Screening Mammograms
In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. 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. A mammogram is the first line of defense against breast cancer, and it remains the most reliable diagnostic tool for doctors.
Who should get a mammogram?
The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines recommend a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 and a yearly screening afterwards for women of average risk.
Full ACR mammogram recommended guidelines to keep in mind for women of varying risk levels:
- Begin annually at age 40* for average risk patients.
- Begin annually at age 30 for high-risk patients (>20% lifetime risk).
- Intermediate risk (15-20% lifetime risk) patients can also begin screening at age 30.
- Please encourage tomosynthesis (3D mammogram) It increases cancer detection rate and decreases callback rate.
*A written doctors order will be required for patients under 40 to schedule a screening mammogram and should call one of our location hub numbers below.
Take the next step and schedule your mammogram below. Select your location and complete the required Screening Self-Assessment.
Schedule Mammogram
Programs we offer:
- Pre-operative education and support
- Post-operative education and support
- The American Cancer Society's Look Good/Feel Better programs
- And many types of support groups
Join all of us at Piedmont as we work together to fight breast cancer. Do a monthly breast self-exam. Schedule a mammogram. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We offer Saturday and some late appointments during the week. Please check with the specific location you plan on visiting.