MACON, Georgia — New research from the Centers for Disease Control shows fewer women are getting routine mammograms.
The study finds that only about 65% of women ages 50-74, with three or more health-related social needs, are up to date with their mammograms.
The agency blames a number of reasons.
Those include cost for access to care, social isolation and lack of transportation, according to the CDC.
"How do you get patients to the appropriate care centers and how do you get them to get time off work," Dr. Jamaal Crawford with Piedmont Macon wonders.
The CDC recommends women 50 to 74-years-old get a mammogram every two years.
"The more issues that women face, we know that the less likely they are to get access and get their mammogram," said Kimberly Lewis with the hospital.
She said during the onset of the pandemic, the number of mammograms at Piedmont Macon declined.
A new grant from the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer, she said, will lessen the burden for some people.
"Patients that maybe normally wouldn't bet those mammograms will have the money available to get access to car," Lewis explained.
She said the hospital has Oncology nurse navigators and organizations in the community to help with this effort.
You can reach a nurse navigator at 478-765-4805.
Those looking to schedule a mammogram can call 877-357-0161.
You can view the full report here.