Phoebe in Albany, Phoebe Sumter offer free breast exams in October

ALBANY/AMERICUS — In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as part of their commitment to promoting women’s health, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany and Phoebe Sumter in Americus will provide 150 free 3-D mammogram screenings throughout October at the Carlton Breast Health Center in Albany at the main hospital in Americus. These screenings are available for women who are uninsured and in need of their annual mammogram.

Phoebe in Albany will provide 100 free exams, while Phoebe Sumter will provide 50.

The 3-D mammography procedure is similar to a traditional mammogram, but the key difference is that the tomosynthesis machine moves around the breast rather than staying stationary. During the 3-D exam, multiple low-dose images are captured from different angles, offering a more comprehensive view of the breast tissue. This advanced imaging allows radiologists to better detect and evaluate individual breast structures, reducing the risk of missing abnormalities due to overlapping tissue.

“Offering this service is part of Phoebe’s ongoing mission to ensure that all women, regardless of their insurance status, have access to critical health screenings that could save their lives,” Ursula Mathis-Dennis, the oncology quality director at the Phoebe Cancer Center in Albany, said. “Early detection is key, and we want to make sure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of receiving this potentially life-saving screening.”

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

• Age 40 or older

• Not experiencing any breast problems, (those experiencing breast problems, should contact their doctor immediately)

• Uninsured

• Not pregnant

• Live in one of the following counties — Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell, Tift, Turner, Worth — for Phoebe Albany; or live in one of the following counties — Sumter, Schley, Macon, Marion, Dooly, Webster, Stewart, Taylor — for Phoebe Sumter.  

• Must have a referring physician

It is important to note that this event is only for initial mammogram screenings and does not apply to follow-up imaging. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer.

For 2024, the American Cancer Society projects approximately 310,720 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. In addition, an estimated 56,500 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive early form of breast cancer, will be identified, and nearly 42,250 lives will be lost to the disease.

Appointments for the free screenings can be scheduled now by contacting the Phoebe Patient Contact Center at (229) 312-4800 in Albany or by contacting the Phoebe Patient Contact Center at (229) 931-1375 in Americus.

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