Augusta University Health to offer Saturday mammograms in October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Augusta University Health’s Breast Health Center wants to make sure women have time to get a mammogram to catch small tumors before they become a big problem.

“Finding time for a mammogram can be challenging for busy women, but a weekend mammogram might be the answer for their hectic schedules,” said Kellie Bedenbaugh, lead technologist at Augusta University Breast Health Center. “Generally, women are so busy taking care of everyone else in the family, they neglect themselves. October Saturdays gives ladies an opportunity to have a ‘ME’ day.”

AU Health’s Breast Health Center is an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and the only center in the area using 3-D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, which has been shown to improve cancer detection and reduce false-positive results. In addition, the center, which performs more than 6,000 mammograms each year, was recognized by Health Imaging magazine in 2013 with a Patient-centric Imaging Award.

Beginning Oct. 5 and each Saturday in the month of October, women can schedule a routine mammogram at the Breast Health Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Women do not need an order from their doctors to get a screening mammogram. Most insurance companies cover 100 percent of the cost. The Breast Health Center is located on the first floor of Augusta University Medical Center. To schedule a screening mammogram, call (706) 721-XRAY (9729).