Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrated with mammograms, ribbons

Macon, Ga. (October 8, 2026) - One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, making it the most common type of cancer among women.

In 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 325,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and more than 42,100 will die from the disease.

For decades, October has been designated National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but experts say it will take year-round vigilance to fight the disease and lower the fatality rate.

"Although October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it should be on people's minds every month," said Kimberly Lewis, manager of Oncology Services at Piedmont Macon. "One of the most important things we can do is to get a mammogram. Catching breast cancer early truly is the key to surviving it."

Lewis said women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40, or even earlier if they are indicated for high-risk or have a family history.

In October, Piedmont Macon is offering a host of activities during the month for the public:

Saturday mammograms

Piedmont Macon Medical Center is offering Saturday screening mammograms October 17 and 31 by appointment from 8 a.m. to noon. At Piedmont Macon North Hospital, Saturday mammograms are available October 10 and 24.

Mammograms are also available on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Piedmont Macon Medical will stay open until 8 p.m. for one night to accommodate more patients on October 19. Patients may book their mammograms at piedmont.org, schedule on the Piedmont MyChart patient portal or call .

Tree of Hope

To help honor those who have had or who are currently facing breast cancer, Piedmont Macon invites the public to tie a pink ribbon on the Tree of Hope in front of Building C during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbons may be in memory of someone who lost their fight or in honor of someone who survived or is currently being treated for breast cancer. Ribbons may be picked up at Piedmont Macon Oncology in Building C, Suite 120 or the Women's Center, Building C, Suite 100, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Breast health wellness drop-In

Oncology services located on the first floor of Building C will host a breast-health wellness drop-in this month that focuses on early detection and prevention. This drop-in - Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon - is free to the public.

Piedmont Macon offers a full complement of breast screenings and other tests to help detect breast cancer early. Services include:

• 3-D mammography
• Breast MRI
• Breast MRI biopsy
• Breast surgery
• Breast ultrasound
• Digital mammography
• Genetic testing
• Sentinel node procedure
• Stereotactic breast biopsy
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy
• Lymphedema therapy
• Nurse navigation