Wednesday, September 25, 2002

SFMC offers breast cancer education

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, South Fulton Medical Center will be providing education and mammograms to help combat one of the most deadly forms of cancer among American women. The program is part of South Fulton Medical Center's continuing effort to improve health through preventative medicine and education.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that approximately 192,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed last year, with over 40,000 women dying from the disease. Breast cancer accounts for nearly one of every three cancers diagnosed in American women.

"The bottom line is that all women are at risk for breast cancer. Clinical trials have established that screening with mammography with or without clinical breast examination can decrease breast cancer deaths," said Diana Santiago, M.D., Radiation Oncologist.

Women have the most treatment options and best chance for long-term survival when breast cancer is found early. An annual mammogram often provides the first clue that a woman might have breast cancer.

South Fulton Medical Center will be holding low-cost mammography screenings and breast health education every Wednesday in October from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost of a mammogram is $65. Appointments are required.

For more information or to schedule a mammogram, call 1-888-888-1872. Check, Cash, Visa and MasterCard accepted. No insurance filings, except Medicare.

South Fulton Medical Center, a 392-bed acute care hospital was acquired by a subsidiary of the Tenet Healthcare Corporation in April of this year, when it joined four other hospitals that comprise Tenet's greater Atlanta network. In addition to emergency care, the hospital offers cardiac care, physical and occupational rehabilitation, inpatient oncology, ambulatory surgery and labor and delivery. The hospital also has a level two neonatal intensive care unit. For more information, check us out on the web at www.SouthFultonMedicalCenter.com.