Little Rock, Arkansas – CARTI is encouraging women across Arkansas to make breast health a priority this fall by combining an important health screening with a small treat during its annual Mammos and Muffins events.
The program, organized by The Breast Center at CARTI, will offer expanded appointment availability for mammograms at several CARTI cancer centers during September and October. The effort is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is intended to make routine breast cancer screenings easier for women to schedule.
The events are designed around a simple idea. Women can come in for their annual mammogram while also taking part in giveaways and receiving free breast health resources.
“Mammograms are our most effective tool for finding breast cancer sooner, when treatment is most effective,” said Jessica McElreath, one of The Breast Center at CARTI’s fellowship-trained breast imaging specialists. “Yet, many women face obstacles to undergoing breast cancer screenings, including scheduling constraints. By offering expanded availability close to where patients live and work, we hope to reduce those barriers and empower women to prioritize their breast health.”
CARTI’s expanded schedule will take place at locations in Pine Bluff, El Dorado, Russellville, Little Rock and North Little Rock.
The first event is scheduled in Pine Bluff from September 28 through October 3 at 5001 Bobo Road. The El Dorado location will follow from October 5 through October 10 at 1601 N. West Ave.
Women in the Russellville area can schedule appointments from October 12 through October 17 at 209 S. Portland Ave. The same dates apply to the Little Rock event at 8901 CARTI Way.
The final location will be in North Little Rock from October 19 through October 24 at 3400 Springhill Drive.
Appointments will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The expanded hours are intended to give women more flexibility when arranging their screenings around work and other responsibilities.
CARTI says women at average risk of breast cancer should begin having annual mammograms at age 40. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should talk with their health care providers about whether they may need to begin screening earlier or have additional screenings.
Regular mammograms are an important part of detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage. Making appointments more accessible can be especially helpful for women who have difficulty finding time during a normal workweek.
The Mammos and Muffins events also provide an opportunity for CARTI staff and breast health professionals to share information with patients. Along with the screening appointments, attendees can receive breast health resources and participate in giveaways.
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The program comes as health organizations across the country use October to highlight breast cancer awareness and encourage women to pay attention to screening and prevention.
For Arkansas women who are due for a mammogram, CARTI is offering several locations and dates to make scheduling more convenient. Appointments can be arranged by calling 501-537-MAMO.
Women who are unsure when they should begin screening or whether they may have additional risk factors are encouraged to discuss their individual situation with their health care provider.
