Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand
  • Home
  • Articles
  • CatchItEarlyCare
Article Category: Highlights

CatchItEarlyCare

The importance of regular mammograms

Published on September 18, 2023

Last updated 11:35 AM September 18, 2023

Illustration of group of women and pink ribbon. Text reads "CatchItEarlyCare"

When it comes to diagnosing breast cancer, time is of the essence.  

That’s why Wellstar uses state-of-the-art imaging technology to help identify cancer sooner, so we can treat it faster. Getting a screening mammogram can save your life, so don’t delay. 

“The earlier we detect a breast cancer, the better we are able to treat it,” said Dr. Paula Greaves, Wellstar Chief of Women’s Health.

With 14 imaging centers offering mammography, it's easy to find one that's convenient to you.

Who should get screened?

If you do not have any risk factors that increase your chance of developing breast cancer, you should start annual screening mammograms at age 40. 

If you’re at higher risk for breast cancer, your provider may recommend you start screenings earlier and can help you create a personalized plan.

“Being female at birth gives you a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer, but there are other components that can increase that risk,” Dr. Greaves said.

You may be at higher risk of developing breast cancer if:

  • You have a family history of breast cancer. If any of your relatives have had breast cancer, talk to your provider about starting screenings earlier. Find out how old your relatives were when they were diagnosed with breast cancer and begin screenings when you are seven to 10 years younger than their age of diagnosis. 
  • You have had previous radiotherapy treatment in the chest area. Previous radiotherapy for other cancers or lymphomas can also raise the potential for breast cancer development.
  • You have had breast cancer before. A previous breast cancer diagnosis often means a patient is more likely to develop breast cancer again.

Wellstar offers several locations to get a mammogram. Call (678) 581-5900 to schedule yours. You can also ask your Wellstar provider to put your mammogram order in MyChart and you'll be able to schedule the test online.

What should I expect when I get a mammogram?

A mammogram uses low dose X-rays to examine the breast for abnormalities and signs of cancer. Wellstar offers 3D mammograms, which provide a series of detailed images of the breast, allowing healthcare providers to better evaluate breast tissue layer by layer. In these images, fine details are more visible as compared to 2D mammograms and are no longer hidden by overlapping tissue.

The mammography unit is a rectangular box that houses the X-ray tubes and special accessories so that only the breasts are exposed to radiation. Attached to the unit is a device that holds and compresses the breast and positions it so images can be taken from several angles. 

The technologist is with you throughout the procedure and will ensure that the necessary images have been taken before completing the exam.

Once you have completed a mammogram, you may resume your normal, everyday activities.

If your screening mammogram results are normal, your next mammogram will be the following year, unless your provider recommends more frequent screenings due to family history or other risk factors. Continue to perform breast self-exams monthly, and if you notice any changes such as a lump, sore spot or a difference in the appearance of the skin, contact your provider.

What if I receive abnormal screening mammogram results?

When a mammogram result is flagged for follow-up care, it can be scary and intimidating for patients and their loved ones—but at Wellstar, you won’t have to navigate your health journey alone.  

As you search for answers about your breast health, the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program and its complimentary concierge services will make your experience more seamless with a tailored care plan, advocacy for your physical and emotional well-being, dedicated team members for scheduling appointments and education about your care options. Our team of experts will stay by your side through the entire diagnostic process, offering personalized counsel at every step.

For more information on our Comprehensive Breast Health Program, call (470) 610-1910 or email [email protected]. Learn more about our personalized breast care at wellstar.org/breasthealth.

What are some symptoms of breast cancer?

In addition to yearly mammograms, conduct monthly breast self-exams to look for any changes you’ll need to discuss with your provider. Signs of breast cancer can include:

  • Lump development in the breast or underarm
  • Breast swelling or development of thickness
  • Redness and/or skin flaking around the breast
  • Discharge other than breast milk from the nipple
  • Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
  • Pain in any area of the breast

If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to your provider and schedule an appointment to evaluate your breast health.

Your Wellstar care team will support you at every step of your breast health journey, from screening mammograms to follow-up care.

Learn more about breast cancer screening at Wellstar.

 

Stay Up to Date on Your Mammograms with Wellstar

Tags

Womens Health Breast Cancer
Related Articles
A healthcare provider consults with her patient

Highlights

Personalized Breast Care Close to Home at Wellstar North Fulton

By Wellstar Breast Surgeon Dr. Laura Pearson

I have never met a woman who enjoyed getting mammograms, including myself. They can be uncomfortable, awkward and anxiety-provoking—especially if you have had scares in the past or are at high risk for getting breast cancer.

There are so many additional resources for risk reduction and surveillance available that go hand-in-hand with mammograms. At Wellstar, reducing your risk and screening for cancer starts with a physical from your primary care doctor.

If you are at average risk of developing breast cancer, you should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screening. If something is detected on a mammogram, the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program has nurse navigators who will help arrange diagnostic imaging, biopsy procedures and referrals to breast specialists. If you are diagnosed with cancer, the compassionate and oncology-trained nurse navigators with Wellstar Cancer Care walk patients through diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and beyond.

If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, your treatment and care will transition from our Comprehensive Breast Health Program to the Wellstar Cancer Care team. In Wellstar STAT Clinics, which stands for Specialty Teams and Treatment, we put you at the center of your care plan. In our STAT Clinic for Breast Cancer, the care team, including breast oncology nurse navigators, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, nutritionists and genetic counselors, will meet with you and your support system on the same day to formulate a treatment plan personalized to your specific cancer, as well as your personal and cultural needs. Patients are able to ask questions, make decisions and start treatment sooner, improving outcomes.

Many times, surgical intervention can be done as an outpatient procedure. We can also offer some people intraoperative radiation therapy, or IORT—the option of doing their radiation treatment in the operating room at the same time as their lumpectomy, meaning they are able to avoid four to six weeks of radiation treatments. Any other interventions, such as chemotherapy or radiation, including our CyberKnife for treatments like targeted partial breast radiation therapy, are found in the cancer center on Wellstar North Fulton’s medical campus. We have physical therapists, social workers and palliative care specialists who are there for you if the need arises.

Your Wellstar care team can also help you reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Being overweight or obese or being a smoker can increase your risk. Patients at Wellstar have access to our Center for Best Health to assist in weight management. We also have smoking cessation programs and dietitians waiting to help you make healthier choices that can positively impact your health.

Wellstar provides more than healthcare, PeopleCare—working relentlessly to exceed national standards and our patients’ expectations while remembering the humanity of every patient. We are here for all the situations and stages of our patients’ lives by offering the tools and resources to be healthy and thrive. Wellstar clinicians live in the communities we serve. We must get physicals, mammograms and biopsies. We need help being our healthiest selves. We get sick and have family members who need compassionate care. PeopleCare means offering our patients world-class healthcare in the communities where they live and work.

Your care team can put your mammogram order in Wellstar MyChart to book online, or you can schedule by calling (678) 581-5900.

Visit wellstar.org/northfultoncancercare to learn more about cancer care at Wellstar North Fulton.

Keep reading
At 26, Maria receives chemotherapy as part of her breast cancer treatment plan, determined to complete her interior design degree on time.

PeopleCare

MariaCare

Maria Fernanda Ortiz was a college junior, pursuing a degree in interior design. But at just 26 years old, her life took an unexpected turn. She discovered a lump in her breast, which led to a cancer diagnosis and expert, multidisciplinary care at Wellstar that would shape her professional aspirations in the future. Maria feels her hopeful attitude and compassionate care team at Wellstar helped her come through treatment with positive outcomes.

Feeling heard in healthcare

After Maria discovered a lump, she initially saw a doctor who went through the motions but didn’t seem to take her concerns seriously. 

“He was so sure it was nothing because I am so young,” she remembered. “I didn’t think it was cancer, but I wanted someone who would get to the bottom of it.”

She then saw her OB/GYN who referred her to Dr. Laura Pearson, a Wellstar breast surgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center, for a second opinion. 

Maria got what she was looking for: a doctor who listened and would help her find answers. 

“Maria is the perfect example of a patient advocating for themselves,” Dr. Pearson said. “She did exactly what she was supposed to do for someone her age who finds a lump. When it didn’t go away, she got it looked at. When she didn’t feel like she was being heard, she didn’t let it go.”

 

A surprising cancer diagnosis

Dr. Pearson immediately performed an ultrasound in the office, followed quickly by a biopsy, which came back positive for cancer. 

"The diagnosis was scary," Maria said. “Dr. Pearson made it as simple as possible to understand by making sketches. She took the time to answer my questions—and she gave me hugs.”

Dr. Pearson added, “I try hard to be methodical and build a story: ‘This is what this means. This is how it applies to you.’ It’s important for patients to understand their plan and how it’s based very specifically on their situation.”

Maria was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer, meaning it was a small tumor but had spread to a nearby lymph node. 

“The stage helps us understand how the patient is going to do with standard treatment,” Dr. Pearson explained. “At stage 2A, we’re looking at a 90% survival rate.”

Keep reading
Two women talking. Wellstar and Gabbi logos

Highlights

Wellstar & Gabbi Partner to Assess Women's Future Risk of Breast Cancer

We’ve partnered with Gabbi to provide breast cancer risk assessments for women ages 24 to 39. This personalized virtual service offers 24/7 expert support and navigation through breast health screenings. The pilot program has launched at select Wellstar OB/GYN locations. 

  • Talk to your Wellstar OB/GYN about your breast cancer risk factors during your annual visit. Your physician will refer you to Gabbi if you could benefit from their services.
  • An online assessment evaluates your risk of breast cancer in two minutes.
  • Book a next-day virtual appointment with a breast specialist who can design your care plan and explain your risk.Your specialist will assist with scheduling tests or imaging at Wellstar.
  • Gabbi’s care concierge is available 24/7 and can answer questions over text.

It only takes four steps to take charge of your breast health.

  1. Discuss your breast cancer risk factors with your Wellstar OB/GYN, who will help determine if you could benefit from Gabbi’s services.
  2. Take your online risk assessment.
  3. Virtually meet with a care navigator, who will order the appropriate imaging or testing at Wellstar.
  4. Your OB/GYN will continue to provide expert care and referrals if needed.

Ongoing breast health support

If your imaging is normal, you'll follow up with your OB/GYN during your next annual visit. Your care team may recommend more frequent screenings due to family history or other risk factors. If your imaging is flagged for follow-up care, you'll be connected to the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program to ensure you're surrounded in care with complimentary concierge services and a team of compassionate experts dedicated to guiding you at every step.

Get started at gabbi.com. 

Keep reading
Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about or internet privacy policy.