TURN AWARENESS INTO ACTION: IT'S TIME to Prioritize Breast Cancer Screening This October
North Georgia Health Departments Offer Free Breast Exams and Mammogram Referrals
North Georgia – Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink—it is a powerful reminder to understand your risk, recognize changes in your breasts, and make recommended screenings a priority.
It’s Time to detect breast cancer early, North Georgia!
Throughout the year, public health departments in the North Georgia Health District, which include Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, provide free or low-cost breast exams and referrals for mammograms to women ages 40 through 64, as well as to any woman who has noticed a concerning change in her breast or breasts. Appointments are generally required for these services.
However, in October, the health departments will host or participate in special Breast Cancer Awareness Month events. These events will offer Free Breast Exams without an appointment, and each will feature information and activities designed to increase awareness, encourage earlier detection, and make potentially life-saving screenings more accessible.
Finding breast cancer early can make an extraordinary difference.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. also reports:
- Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
- Breast cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States.
- On average, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every two minutes.
- Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are discovered at the localized stage—before the cancer has spread beyond the breast and when it is most treatable.
- Breast cancer diagnosed at the localized stage has a five-year relative survival rate of 99%.
- Approximately 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
- A woman whose mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer is nearly twice as likely to develop it herself.
Women who meet certain eligibility requirements may receive free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings at our health departments through Georgia’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Click here to learn about the program and determine whether you may qualify.
Do not let Breast Cancer Awareness Month pass without taking a step for your health. Learn your risk, pay attention to changes in your breasts, and talk with our health department professionals or your healthcare provider about the screenings recommended for you.
Review the upcoming October events listed below and take advantage of the breast cancer education and screening opportunities offered at our health departments in North Georgia!
This October, IT'S TIME to turn awareness into action—because taking time for your breast health could save your life.
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CHEROKEE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
The Cherokee County Health Department's Canton location will offer FREE Breast Exams and referrals for mammograms to all women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s) on Tuesday, October 27th, from 1 PM to 5 PM. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are Welcome!
Goodie bags and breast cancer educational brochures will be given away! Eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which covers the cost of a mammogram.
The health department's Canton location is at 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115. Call (770) 345-7371 for more information. Click HERE to download & share our Canton BCA Flyer!
Woodstock: Tuesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 29, 2026
The Cherokee County Health Department's Woodstock location presents Breast Cancer Awareness Days on Tuesday, October 27th, from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday, October 29th, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Free Breast Checks and referrals for mammograms will be offered to all women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s). No appointments are necessary. Walk-ins are Welcome!
Come learn about early detection of breast cancer through self-examinations and health screenings. Get to know the signs and symptoms that help detect breast cancer as early as possible. Eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which covers the cost of a mammogram. Patients will receive a FREE Goodie Bag and Breast Cancer Awareness educational printed materials!
The health department's Woodstock location is at 7545 North Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188. Call (770) 928-0133 for more information. Click HERE to download & share our Woodstock BCA Flyer!
FANNIN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
The Fannin County Health Department will offer FREE Breast Exams and mammogram referrals to eligible women on Tuesday, October 13th, from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The breast exams are for all women ages 40 to 64 or for any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s). No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are Welcome! Call (706) 632-3023 for more information.
The health department will also offer breast cancer prevention education and enroll eligible women in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which covers the cost of a mammogram.
The Fannin County Health Department is located at 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Call (706) 632-3023 for more information. Click HERE to download & share our Fannin BCA Flyer!
GILMER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
The Gilmer County Health Department will have a "PINK OUT" day and offer FREE Breast Exams and mammogram referrals on Wednesday, October 14th, from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, at 822 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 100, Ellijay, GA 30540. The screening event is open to all women ages 40 to 64 and to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s). No appointment is needed, and Walk-ins are Welcome!
Staff will also offer breast cancer prevention education.
Eligible women will also be referred for a free mammogram through the health department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
For more information, call the health department at (706) 635-4363. Click HERE to download & share our Gilmer BCA Flyer!
MURRAY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
The Murray County Health Department is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Tuesday, October 27th, from 7:30 AM to 5 PM. Free Breast Exams will be offered to all women ages 40 to 64 or to any woman who detects a concerning change in her breast(s). No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are Welcome!
Breast cancer prevention education and printed materials will also be provided. Eligible women can enroll in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), which covers the cost of a mammogram.
The Murray County Health Department is located at 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705.
For more information, call (706) 695-4585. Click HERE to download & share our Murray BCA Flyer!
PICKENS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
While renovations continue at the Pickens County Health Department, residents are encouraged to attend a Breast Cancer Awareness event at another convenient location within the North Georgia Health District. Please view the other listings or call the Pickens County Health Department phone number at (706) 253-2821 to learn more.
WHITFIELD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Thursday, October 22, 2026
The Whitfield County Health Department will have its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Thursday, October 22nd from 8 AM to 12 PM. During this time, staff will provide Free Breast Exams to all women ages 25 and older, give participants goodie bags with a variety of breast health incentives and information, and offer light refreshments. This event will take place at the Whitfield County Health Department's Women's Health Clinic, 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720. The Women's Health Clinic is located at the back entrance of the health department. No appointment is needed – Walk-ins are Welcome!
Eligible women can also be referred for a free mammogram and enrollment in the health department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
For more information, call the Whitfield County Health Department at 706-279-9600. Click HERE to download & share our Whitfield BCA Flyer!
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