Macon, Ga. (October 1, 2025) – This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 376,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 42,000 will die of the disease.

As has been the case for the past decade, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, making breast cancer one of the most common cancers among women, according to the ACS.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the month is packed with breast cancer awareness events at Piedmont Macon. Kimberly Lewis, manager of Oncology Services at Piedmont Macon, said the month is about more than simply wearing pink.

“It’s about education, prevention and support,” Lewis said. “We’re giving our community the tools, resources and encouragement to take charge of their health. The events we have planned for the month reflect our hospital’s ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer.”

Perhaps the most important of Piedmont Macon’s events this month are Saturday mammograms for women who may not be able to get their mammograms during the work week. The American College of Radiology recommends a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 followed by annual screenings.

The Saturday mammogram appointments are available from 8 a.m. to noon on the following dates at Piedmont Macon Medical Center: Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15, Dec. 6 and Dec. 20. Piedmont Macon North Hospital will offer Saturday mammograms on Oct. 25. To schedule a mammogram on a Saturday or weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit piedmontmammo.org, schedule on the Piedmont MyChart patient portal or call 877.357.0161.

Piedmont Macon is offering several Breast Cancer Awareness Month events in October that are free to the public:

• Tie a pink ribbon on the “Tree of Hope” at Piedmont Macon Medical to recognize a loved one who has battled breast cancer. 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 at the Women’s Center, Building C, Suite 100, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Participate in a “Healthy Eating and Cancer Treatment” class from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 23 in the Piedmont Macon Cancer Center. The event includes a live food preparation and tasting. Reservations are required. Call 478.765.4805.
• Attend a breast cancer education drop-in on either Oct. 9 or Oct. 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Cancer Center. Our breast nurse navigators will be there to provide information on breast disease and breast cancer that primarily targets women but can also affect men.
• Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a special Stronger Together Support Group meeting. The event is open to any breast cancer survivors and will be in the Cancer Center classroom Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. The event features a “laughter yoga” class that combines intentional laughter with yoga breathing exercises with the aim of promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling 478.765.4805.

Piedmont Macon Medical Center offers a full complement of breast screenings and other tests to help detect breast cancer early. Services include 3D mammography, breast MRIs, breast MRI biopsies and ultrasounds, breast surgery, digital mammography, genetic testing, sentinel node procedures, stereotactic breast biopsies and ultrasound-guided biopsies. Oncology-certified nurse navigators are available to discuss and provide education and resources.

For more information about breast health services at the Piedmont hospitals in Macon, visit piedmont.org or call 478-765-4805.