Mammograms, Breast Care, and You

In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. Eighty percent of these women do not have any of the reported risk factors, other than being female and aging. The key to surviving breast cancer is early diagnosis. Regular screening mammograms, breast self-exams and yearly breast exams by your physician can help.

Beginning at 40, every woman should get a mammogram every year. It is important to remember not to delay or put off your yearly mammogram screening. Worrying about what the screening might be like or what the results might show are common concerns, but most women found mammograms are more comfortable than they anticipated and it’s the best way to get peace of mind about your breast health.

Where can I get a mammogram?

For assistance with scheduling a diagnostic mammogram that has been ordered by your provider, please call the appropriate number listed below:

• North Atlanta: 470-271-1625
  (Includes Atlanta, Brookhaven, Kennesaw, Mountainside, and Piedmont West)
   
• South Atlanta: 770-716-2096
  (Includes Fayette, Henry, and Newnan)
   
• Athens:  706-475-1000 
  (Includes Athens, Oconee, Newton, Rockdale, Royston and Walton)
   
• Augusta: 706-722-3574
  (Includes Augusta; Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, Burke, Washington, Jefferson, Screven, Wilkes, Jenkins, Hancock, Lincoln, Warren, Glascock and Taliaferro counties in Georgia; Aiken, Edgefield, Barnwell, Saluda, Bamberg, McCormick and Allendale counties in South Carolina)
   
• Columbus: 706-571-1065
   
• Macon
  • Piedmont Macon North: 855-226-9111
  • Piedmont Macon Medical: 877-357-0161
• Eastside (including Snellville and Loganville): 888-843-8133
   
• Cartersville: 855-828-5136
   

Why Have a Mammogram?

A mammogram is the first line of defense against breast cancer, and it remains the most reliable diagnostic tool for doctors. Piedmont Healthcare follows The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines that recommend a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 and a yearly screening afterwards for women of average risk. Full ACR mammogram recommended guidelines to keep in mind for women of varying risk levels:

• Begin annually at age 40* for average risk patients
• Begin annually at age 30 for high-risk patients (≥20% lifetime risk)
• Intermediate risk (15-20% lifetime risk) patients can also begin screening at age 30.
• Please encourage tomosynthesis (3D mammogram) - It increases cancer detection rate and decreases callback rate.

It is critical for patients and their providers to detect breast cancer in it’s earliest, most curable stages when lumps are too small to feel and before any other symptoms develop. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer found at Stage 0 or Stage 1 is 100 percent.

Why Choose Piedmont

Choosing the right medical partner to help you maintain breast health is important. At Piedmont, our physicians, nurses, and technologists are sensitive to each patient's individual needs and have access to the latest technologies to quickly screen and diagnose our patients.

Our team delivers more than expertise - we take the time to make sure every patient is educated, informed, and above all, comfortable. If you do have a diagnosis that requires treatment, a breast cancer nurse navigator will be with you each step of the way.

* A written doctors order will be required for patients under 40 to schedule a screening mammogram

It is critical for patients and their providers to detect breast cancer in it’s earliest, most curable stages when lumps are too small to feel and before any other symptoms develop. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer found at Stage 0 or Stage 1 is 100 percent.

Latest Technologies Available at Piedmont

• 2D Screening Mammogram
  In 2D mammography, two X-ray images are taken, one from the top, and a second from the side. The affordable Care Act mandates that all insurance plans cover screening mammograms without cost.
   
• 3D Screening Mammogram
  Three-dimensional (3D) mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, is the latest mammogram technology being used for breast cancer screening. Tomosynthesis is recommended for women with dense breast tissue. Some insurance policies require out-of-pocket costs for 3D mammograms.
   
• 3D Diagnostic Mammogram
  3D Diagnostic mammograms are used after suspicious results on a screening mammogram or after some signs of breast cancer alert the physician to check the tissue.
  • A lump
  • Breast pain
  • Nipple discharge
  • Thickening of skin on the breast
  • Changes in the size or shape of the breast
  • A diagnostic mammogram can help determine if these symptoms are indicative of the presence of cancer.

Download Mammogram Scheduling Guide

Getting Results

After your Mammogram, a radiologist will read your breast images and your provider will deliver your results. In order to ensure your results are expedited, it is important that any prior mammogram results are available for your radiologist to review on the day your mammogram.
 

Download Release of Information Form
 

In order to enable Piedmont to collect prior mammogram results from other healthcare organizations on your behalf, please fill out the Release of Information Form above and fax it to the Imaging location at which you are having your upcoming mammogram. Each location with corresponding fax number is listed below.

• Piedmont Rockdale Women's Diagnostic Center: 770-918-3738
• Piedmont Walton Imaging Center: 770-267-1713
• Piedmont Newton Hospital Women's Diagnostic Center: 770-385-7839
• Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Atlanta: 404-367-7338
• Piedmont Imaging at Brookhaven: 404-367-7338
• Piedmont Imaging at Piedmont West: 404-367-7338
• Piedmont Imaging at Kennesaw: 404-367-7338
• Piedmont Fayette Women's Imaging Center: 770-719-6611
• Piedmont Newnan Outpatient Center: 770-254-3266
• Piedmont Newnan Faye Hendrix-Ware Breast Health Center: 770-254-3266
• Piedmont Henry Breast Health Center: 678-289-9706
• Piedmont Mountainside Hospital: 706-301-5405
• Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Outpatient Diagnostic Center: 706-301-5405
• Piedmont Mountainside Outpatient Imaging Center: 706-301-5405
• Piedmont Athens Breast Health Center: 706-475-5979
• Oconee Health Campus Women's Center Breast Imaging: 706-552-1829
• Piedmont Athens Regional Royston Health Campus: 706-475-2165
• Piedmont Cartersville: 855-828-5136
• Piedmont Columbus Regional Breast Care – Midtown: 706-660-6438
• Piedmont Eastside Breast and Diagnostic Center: 888-843-8133
• Piedmont Eastside Loganville Imaging Center: 888-843-8133 
• Piedmont Macon: 877-357-0161
• Piedmont Macon North: 855-226-9111

You can also access your results via your Piedmont MyChart patient portal account. If you do not have a Piedmont MyChart account, please visit the Piedmont MyChart page for more information and sign up instructions. If you still have questions visit our Mammogram FAQ.