In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Phoebe’s Carlton Breast Health Center will be offering 100 free 3-D mammograms in October to women who are uninsured and are due for their annual screening.

“We are excited to be able to once again offer this opportunity to women in our community, who otherwise might not get screened. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, which is why mammograms are vital to early breast cancer detection and successful treatment,” said Linda Whitten, Carlton Breast Health Center Manager.

The free 3-D mammograms will be provided to the first 100 eligible women who make appointments at the Carlton Breast Health Center.  To be considered for one of the free breast tomosynthesis screenings, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

•       not had a mammogram in the last 12 months

•       age 40 or older

•       not experiencing any breast problems, (if you are experiencing breast problems, contact your doctor immediately)

•       uninsured

•       not pregnant

•       live in one of the following counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Sumter, Terrell, Tift, Turner and Worth

•       must have a referring physician

Carlton Breast Health Center began using 3-D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) in November 2015. During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. The 3-D view of the breast tissue helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

Tomosynthesis technology has a 40 percent higher invasive cancer detection rate than conventional 2-D mammography alone and provides up to a 40 percent reduction in false positive recalls. The system also offers exceptional sharp images and ergonomic design for patient comfort.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 268,600 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and that nearly 41,760 people will lose their battle with the disease in 2019.  The Carlton Breast Health Center urges women to remember breast cancer screenings are an important part of personal health.