Take Charge of Your Health During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/8/2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to focus on lifestyle and risk factors associated with breast cancer, as well the importance of breast cancer screening. Mammogram screenings are the best way for women to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before there are symptoms. However, according to the CDC, at least 25% of women ages 50-74 have not been screened for breast cancer in the past two years.
Tennova Healthcare - North Knoxville Medical Center and Turkey Creek Medical Center are scheduling mammography appointments throughout October and through the remainder of the year. For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.
“The first step is for women to review the guidelines for breast cancer screening, and understand if there are any factors such as a family history of breast cancer that puts them at higher risk,” said Dr. Donna Culhane, Radiologist for Tennova Healthcare. “Whether starting at age 40 or earlier, a screening mammogram is one of the most important ways that women can take care of their health. The goal is to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages when it is easier to treat and before a tumor is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.”
Here in Tennessee, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – at more than double the rate of lung cancer, the next most common cancer. Across the U.S., 279,731 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2022, the most recent year data is available.
Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, should have a risk assessment at age 25 to determine if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. However, Dr. Culhane says many patients develop breast cancer without substantial risk factors, which is why mammograms are so important.
“Creating awareness and educating women about the benefits of mammography is critical, " said Dr. Culhane. “This is a disease that has a 99% survival right if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body, which is why we urge all women to adhere to screening guidelines.”
North Knoxville Medical Center and Turkey Creek Medical Center are designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers (CBIC) by the American College of Radiology (ACR), reflecting full accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI. The program offers advanced tools like 3D mammography and wire-free localization for breast cancer surgeries, reducing discomfort compared to traditional methods. Breast cancer patients have access to a dedicated Nurse Navigator who provides guidance through every step of care from scheduling and surgery to emotional support, insurance navigation, and genetic testing when needed.
Most health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms every 1 to 2 years for women beginning at age 40, with no out-of-pocket cost (such as a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance).
North Knoxville Medical Center and Turkey Creek Medical Center now offer convenient online scheduling for mammograms.
Find a primary care doctor or OB/GYN: tennovagreaterknoxvilledocs.com
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