Hamilton – Vitruvian Health will host a Pink Day (breast cancer awareness) event on Friday, Oct. 23 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Burr Park, 101 South Hamilton St. in Dalton.

The event will include free cookies, pink lemonade, breast cancer awareness giveaways (while supplies last), health and wellness vendors and a lunch available for purchase through a vendor. Free car magnets and yard signs will also be available while supplies last. The Peeples Cancer Institute’s (PCI) new mobile mammography coach, Mammography on the go, will be at the event also.

"Designed to make preventive care more convenient care more convenient and accessible for Northwest Georgia residents, the coach is equipped with the GE Pristina, an advanced 3D mammography system that combines exceptional image quality with a more comfortable patient experience," officials said.

The mobile coach features the same state-of-the-art technology available at PCI, with all examinations interpreted by board-certified radiologists.

At 11:30 a.m., Megan Massey, MD, surgeon at Hamilton Physician Group – General Surgery, will speak.

“With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to be proactive,” said Taylor Martin, community outreach coordinator. “Nobody wants to hear a diagnosis of breast cancer, but early detection can make a huge difference.”

Officials said, "Regular breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms (based on age and health history) are recommended as the best way to detect breast cancer in the early stages.

"Some habits that can help reduce risk for breast cancer are maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating fruits and vegetables, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.

"Peeples Cancer Institute at Hamilton Medical Center includes: Dalton’s only Breast Imaging Center of Excellence; a comprehensive team of board-certified medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and general surgeons/breast specialists; 3D digital mammography; breast ultrasound; 3D stereotactic breast biopsy; state-of-the-art radiation therapies; customized treatment plans; genetic testing and counseling; patient navigation and oncology social work services; and breast surgery and reconstruction."

To schedule a mammogram at PCI, call 706-272-6565, or to schedule a mammogram on the Mammography on the go (mobile coach), call 706-281-8309 or email MobileMammoScheduling@vhcs.org. Day, evening and weekend appointments are available at PCI.