Piedmont Fayette Hospital and the American Cancer Society Host A Breast Cancer Survivor Journey and Information Expo

CONTACT: Ryan Duffy 770-719-7076 Cappie Ortman 404-367-2760 

Fayetteville, GA (Sept. 12, 2007) - Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer.  Nearly 6,000 Georgia women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

While a cancer diagnosis is devastating for a patient and their families, inspirational stories of survival can offer much needed hope and reassurance.

Actress, educator, American Cancer Society Volunteer, wife, mother and grandmother Martha Bird Knighton faced the devastation of a breast cancer diagnosis and now uses humor to share her story of survival.  Knighton will present "Covering Cancer with Comedy: A Breast Cancer Survivor's Journey" at Piedmont Fayette Hospital's Cancer Information Expo on October 2 in the McIntosh High School Auditorium. The Expo begins at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m.

Following Ms. Knighton's presentation, local physicians from the cancer survivor's journey will conduct a question and answer session. Doctors participating in the event include Debora Coursey-Prah, M.D., radiologist and medical director of Piedmont Fayette Hospitals Women's Imaging Center; Jonathan Bender, M.D. of Peachtree Hematology-Oncology Consultants and the Chairman of the Piedmont Fayette Hospital Cancer Committee; Thomas Winger, M.D. of Fayette Surgical Associates; and radiation oncology specialist Linda Wobeck, M.D. of Piedmont Radiation Oncology.

"Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the most mentally and emotionally challenging events in a person's life," said Dr. Bender.  "A lot of the anxiety cancer patients experience results from not knowing what is happening to them or what is going to happen to them.  By making information available-from survivors who were once in their shoes and from doctors who can explain the medical aspects of the disease-some of the anxiety and devastation patients experience can be diminished."

The expo will feature representatives from local cancer programs including Piedmont Fayette Hospital's Women's Imaging Center and the American Cancer Society programs. Information will be available about patient services, Look Good/Feel Better, Man 2 Man, Reach to Recovery and upcoming events in the area such as the American Cancer Society's Baron's Ball and Relay for Life. 

"Early detection and routine screenings can save lives," said Dr. Bender. "It is important for doctors and cancer resource programs to educate patients at every possible opportunity.  The best possible health management is reached when it's not just the doctors caring for the patients, but the patients knowing how to care for themselves, as well."

The Cancer Information Expo and registration will begin at 6 p.m., followed by Ms. Knighton's presentation at 7 p.m., and the question and answer session will follow.  Light refreshments will be available in the auditorium lobby during the educational expo. This event is free to the public but seating will be limited. Please call toll-free 1-866-900-4321 to registration.

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About Piedmont Fayette Hospital

Named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals^® four years in a row by Solucient and one of the nation's Most Wired by the 2007, 2006 and 2005 100 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study, Piedmont Fayette Hospital (PFH), a 143-bed acute care community hospital located on Highway 54 in Fayetteville, offers 24-hour emergency services, medical and surgical services, as well as obstetrics, diagnostic, cardiac catheterization and rehabilitation services. With more than 1,100 employees and a medical staff of more than 350 physicians, PFH is a member of Piedmont Healthcare (PHC), a not-for-profit organization that also includes:

• Piedmont Hospital, a 458-bed acute tertiary care facility in the north Atlanta community of Buckhead. Piedmont Hospital offers all major medical, surgical and diagnostic services, and is a recipient of the 2007 and 2006 Distinguished Hospital Award for Patient Safety^TM from HealthGrades (a leading healthcare ratings company) and one of the nation's Most Wired hospitals in the 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 100 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study;
• Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, a 42-bed community hospital in Jasper, named 2006 Hospital of the Year by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals and one of the nation's Most Improved hospitals in the 2006 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study;
• Piedmont Newnan Hospital, a 143-bed acute care community hospital in Newnan offering 24-hour emergency services, women's and children's services (including OB and inpatient pediatrics), and general medical, surgical, diagnostic and rehabilitation services;
• Piedmont Physicians Group, with more than 75 primary care physicians in 22 offices throughout metro Atlanta; and
• The Piedmont Clinic, a 524-member physician network. 

For more information, visit www.fayettehospital.org.