Atrium Health Navicent to host Mammo Marathon events throughout October

Dale said early detection can make a significant difference for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Atrium Health Navicent is encouraging women to prioritize breast cancer screening this October by offering extended hours and walk-in mammograms during its Mammo Marathon.

The events coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will be held on several dates throughout October, including at locations across Middle Georgia.

“Breast cancer awareness means that you should be getting your mammograms. If you haven’t had your mammogram, it’s time to get it,” Dr. Paul Dale said.

Dale said early detection can make a significant difference for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Screening save lives every day and the earlier and sooner that we can find that cancer the better your chances of leaving a good long life,” Dale said.

For routine screening, Dale recommends women begin getting annual mammograms at age 40, although women with a family history of breast cancer may need to begin earlier. He encouraged women to discuss their individual risk factors and family history with their primary care doctor.

The Mammo Marathon is designed to make screenings more accessible by offering extended hours and allowing women to receive a mammogram without an appointment or doctor’s order.

“Mammo marathon means that we have a little bit longer extended hours and ladies can come in and have a mammogram just without a schedule without an appointment without even the doctor order,” Dale said.

On October 7, mammograms will be offered from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

• Atrium Health Navicent Breast Care Center, 800 First Street, Suite 310, Macon
• Atrium Health Navicent Imaging & Laboratory, 1650 Hardeman Ave., Macon
• Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center Imaging Northwest, 5925 Zebulon Road, Macon
• Atrium Health Navicent Peach, 1960 GA Highway 247 Connector, Byron
• Atrium Health Navicent Imaging Monroe, 120 N. Lee St., Forsyth
• Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin, 821 N. Cobb St., Milledgeville
• Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin Imaging Cowles Clinic, 1000 Cowles Clinic Way, Pine Cottage, Greensboro

Additional Mammo Marathon events will be held at the Atrium Health Navicent Breast Care Center in Macon from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 10 and October 24, and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 14, October 21 and October 28.

Dale also encouraged women who receive a breast cancer diagnosis to rely on their medical team for information rather than becoming overwhelmed by information online.

“Not all cancers are created equal don’t go down the rabbit hole on the Internet and go and talk to your professional,” Dale said.