Gadsden Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center will host a Mammogram Marathon during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
On Oct. 17, women who schedule mammograms will be treated to refreshments and door prizes will be given. The marathon hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. From 1-3 p.m. Dr. Linsay Frederick will provide free breast exams.
To schedule an appointment, call 256-494-4600. The Women’s Imaging Center in located in the 400 Building, Suite 102 at Gadsden Regional Medical Center.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women who are 40 or older have a mammogram each year. According to the ACS, “current evidence supporting mammograms is even stronger than in the past.
“In particular, recent evidence has confirmed that mammograms offer substantial benefit for women in their 40s.
“Women can feel confident about the benefits associated with regular mammograms for finding cancer early.
“However, mammograms also have limitations.
A mammogram can miss some cancers, and it may lead to follow up of findings that are not cancer.
“Women should be told about the benefits and limitations linked with yearly mammograms.
“But despite their limitations, mammograms are still a very effective and valuable tool for decreasing suffering and death from breast cancer.
“Mammograms should be continued regardless of a woman’s age, as long as she does not have serious, chronic health problems such as congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and moderate to severe dementia.
“Age alone should not be the reason to stop having regular mammograms.
“Women with serious health problems or short life expectancies should discuss with their doctors whether to continue having mammograms.”