SGMC Health Encourages Early Detection During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SGMC Health is encouraging women across South Georgia to prioritize their breast health through annual mammograms, educational resources, survivor stories, and community events focused on awareness and early detection.

To help make screenings more accessible, the SGMC Health Breast Center is offering 150 free 3D mammogram screenings to uninsured women who demonstrate financial need. Screenings are available at the SGMC Imaging Center in Valdosta and SGMC Health Berrien in Nashville. Now in its fourth year, the initiative is funded through generous support of the SGMC Health Foundation and is designed to help remove financial barriers to preventive care.

In addition to the free screening program, SGMC Health offers convenient online scheduling for routine mammograms and advanced breast imaging using Genius™ 3D Mammography™, a technology that improves cancer detection rates while reducing the need for additional imaging and follow-up testing.

"Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that early detection saves lives," said Hilary Willis, Executive Director of the SGMC Health Foundation. "Through the generosity of our donors and community partners, we're able to provide free screenings to women in need while continuing to educate and encourage women throughout our region to make breast health a priority."

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in the United States, with approximately one in eight women expected to develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Regular screenings continue to play a critical role in detecting breast cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.

Throughout October, SGMC Health will also share stories from breast cancer survivors and host Pink for a Purpose, a special fashion show and fundraiser benefiting women's health initiatives through the SGMC Health Foundation. The event will take place on Thursday, October 22, at the Turner Center for the Arts. For more information, including ticket details, visit foundation.sgmc.org/pink-for-a-purpose. Featuring local survivors, fashions from local boutiques, and a silent auction, the event will raise funds for programs that improve access to care, education, screenings, and resources for women across South Georgia.

Women interested in the free mammogram program can apply online at sgmc.org/mammo. Those due for their annual screening can conveniently schedule a mammogram through MyChart or visit sgmc.org/the-breast-center to learn more about breast health services and screening options.

Together, these efforts help ensure more women throughout South Georgia have access to the preventive care and screenings that can save lives.