Phoebe Carlton Breast Health Center offering 100 free mammograms in October

ALBANY — Beginning Monday, Phoebe’s Carlton Breast Health Center is taking appointments, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for 100 free 3-D mammograms in October to women who are uninsured and overdue for their annual screenings.

“We’re excited to once again offer this service to our community,” Linda Whitten, manager of the center, said. “Early detection is the key to preventing breast cancer and leads to more favorable outcomes.”

The mammograms will be provided to the first 100 eligible women who make appointments. To be considered for one of the free breast tomosynthesis screenings, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

— Not had a mammogram in the last 12 months;

— Over the age of 40;

— Not experiencing any breast problems;

— Uninsured;

— Not pregnant;

— Live in one of the following counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell, Tift, Turner and Worth;

— Must have a referring physician.

The breast health center began using 3-D mammography in November 2015. During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles, and the 3-D view of the breast tissue helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women, and that 40,610 women will die from breast cancer, nationwide this year.

Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health Office of Health Indicators for Planning shows that the Southwest Public Health District, a 14-county area that includes Albany, saw 45 deaths from breast cancer in 2016.

To schedule an appointment, contact the center at (229) 312-4800.