One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. And here in Georgia, female breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer site for women.

To encourage more women to take action for their breast health, East Georgia Regional Medical Center is offering special promotions for October, which is annually recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

EGRMC invites women in the community to an after-hours event this upcoming week at Statesboro Imaging Center. Two “Pink Parties,” where women can get their annual screening mammogram and a little pampering, too, are set for Tuesday and Thursday. To schedule a screening mammogram at one of the two Pink Party events from 5-7:30 p.m., call (912) 764-5656. For the ladies who have already had their annual screening mammogram and just want to join the Pink Party event, they can simply register online at www.EGRMCPinkParty.com.  

“Mammograms save lives,” said Dr. Janine Dodds, radiologist and director of Women’s Imaging at East Georgia Radiology. “Today, thanks to early detection and treatment advances, more women are surviving breast cancer and living longer, healthier lives.

“The bottom line is, nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if found early,” Dr. Dodds added. “The most effective way to detect breast cancer at an early, treatable stage is to have yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40, and to have regular clinical breast exams by a doctor or nurse.”

For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40, with no upper age limit as long as the woman is in good health. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk. A screening mammogram can help detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Statesboro Imaging Center is located at 8 Lester Road in Statesboro.