Wellstar Women's Health

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. Rhonda Wachsmuth, medical director of the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program. 

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. Wachsmuth 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.

The more you know about your health, the more empowered you are to take control of it. There’s no greater example of the power you have to protect your future when it comes to preventative health visits and cervical cancer. While cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers, it doesn’t have to be.

With the guidance of their physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, women and teens can learn important information and take action that could potentially save their lives. That’s because most types of cervical cancer are now completely preventable.

It’s not too late to vaccinate

Cervical cancer typically affects women between 30 and 50 years of age. Younger women are also at risk.

Of course, prevention works best when it starts early. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cervical cancer. It is recommended to give the vaccine to children around 11 or 12 but can be given as early as 9 years of age. 

If not previously vaccinated, the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone through the age of 26 and can be administered by a primary care provider or gynecologist. Even some adults in their 30s and 40s who were previously unvaccinated benefit from getting an HPV vaccination.

A pediatrician, primary care provider, gynecologist or many pharmacists and healthcare providers in public health departments can administer the vaccine. 

How well does it work?

The HPV vaccine has been found to provide close to 100 percent protection against infections and pre-cancers caused by HPV.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV infections and cervical precancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have dropped significantly since the vaccine has been in use in the United States. Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 86 percent. There has been a 71 percent decrease for young adult women.

Identify cervical cancer earlier for better outcomes

Women can also be screened for cervical cancer at regular intervals. There are two tests that can help:

• The more traditional is a Pap smear, which looks for precancers, or cell changes on the cervix.
• The newer HPV test identifies the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause the cells to become cancerous.

Most health plans cover preventative care services—like vaccines and screening tests—at no additional cost. For people without insurance, Wellstar practices have low-cost annual exams that include evaluation for cervical cancer and a Pap test if it is medically appropriate.

To find a primary care provider, gynecologist or pediatrician, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

Take control of your health and read how to lower your risk and recognize the signs of gynecological cancer.

When a screening mammogram result is flagged for follow-up care, it can be stressful and scary for patients and their loved ones. The Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program supports patients with a full team of experts dedicated to navigating what can otherwise be an overwhelming process.

This concierge service helps patients who have received abnormal screening mammogram results, along with their support systems, make informed breast health decisions. Our dedicated team of schedulers, nurse navigators and breast care specialists will stay by your side through the entire diagnostic process, offering personalized counsel at every step—and it’s complimentary for anyone who has their screening mammogram performed at a Wellstar imaging center.

Our care team is invested in patients’ physical and emotional well-being and provides personalized guidance as patients follow up on their mammograms and set next steps. At Wellstar, no patient has to walk through their health journey alone.

This integrative program, available at no additional cost to patients who have received abnormal screening mammogram results, offers consultation services via secure MyChart messaging, email and telephone calls, so you can get care anywhere.

Take the first step with screenings

Regular mammograms are essential to helping in the early detection of breast cancer.

“If you’re at average risk of developing breast cancer, you should start annual mammograms at age 40,” said Medical Director for the Comprehensive Breast Health Program Dr. Rhonda Wachsmuth. “However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your provider may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a screening plan.”

When it’s time for your mammogram, Wellstar offers 14 mammography locations, and our patients have state-of-the-art technology on their side. We offer high-resolution breast screening, including 3D mammograms.

A 3D mammogram provides a series of detailed images of the breast, allowing healthcare providers to better evaluate breast tissue layer by layer, making fine details more visible and no longer hidden by overlapping tissue. A 3D mammogram is clinically proven to provide more accurate breast cancer screening and can help reduce false-positive callbacks for additional imaging.

Call (678) 581-5900 to schedule your mammogram. You can also ask your Wellstar provider to put your mammogram order in MyChart and you'll have the ability to schedule online.

Compassionate follow-up care with the Comprehensive Breast Health Program

If you are of average risk and your screening mammogram results are normal, your next mammogram will be the following year. 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.

If your screening mammogram is abnormal and you need follow-up care, a member of the Comprehensive Breast Health Program team will contact you to schedule additional imaging, automatically including you in this complimentary concierge program. They can also answer any questions you have about the program, next steps, what to expect at your follow-up appointment and more. If your additional imaging also shows an abnormal result, your care team will remain by your side, guiding you through every needed follow-up care step, which may include additional imaging, breast biopsy or specialist referral.

In the event you are diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment transitions from the Comprehensive Breast Health Program to the Wellstar Cancer Care team. The Comprehensive Breast Health Program team will coordinate this transition, and your breast health navigator will connect you with one of our oncology nurse navigators—registered nurses who bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient. The Wellstar Cancer Care team will continue to provide compassionate care with a multidisciplinary team of experts. 

How the Comprehensive Breast Health Program can help

An abnormal screening mammogram result can be overwhelming and upsetting for patients and their support systems. As you seek answers about your breast health, the concierge services of the Comprehensive Breast Health Program can make the process more seamless by helping with steps including:

• Creating your personalized care plan
• Scheduling appointments
• Assisting with insurance preauthorization
• Managing referrals
• Providing patient education