Breast Cancer: An Expert Guide to Screening Guidelines, Personal Risk and Early Detection

Georgia Giakoumis Spear, MD, MBA, a nationally recognized breast radiologist, Chief of Breast Imaging at Northwestern Medicine, will be speaking for a community presentation on October 17 at Park Ridge Public Library.

The program, “An Expert Guide to Screening Guidelines, Personal Risk and Early Detection,” will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about current breast cancer screening recommendations, individual risk factors and the role of advanced breast imaging in detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages.

Dr. Spear serves as Vice Chair for Women's Imaging in the Department of Radiology and Chief of Breast Imaging, as well as Professor of Radiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her clinical and professional work focuses on breast imaging and early detection.

“Breast cancer screening recommendations continue to evolve, and it can be difficult for women to know what applies to them,” said Dr. Spear. “Understanding your personal and family history, breast density and individual risk factors is an important part of making informed decisions about screening.”

During the presentation, Dr. Spear will discuss:

• Current breast cancer screening recommendations and why guidelines can differ
• How personal and family history can affect breast cancer risk
• What women with dense breast tissue should know about screening
• The role of 3D mammography, breast ultrasound and MRI
• When women at higher risk may need additional or earlier screening
• What happens after an abnormal mammogram
• The importance of early detection and timely follow-up
• Questions women should discuss with their healthcare providers

Mammography remains an important tool for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment can be more effective. Advances in breast imaging have also expanded the tools available to physicians, particularly when evaluating women with dense breast tissue or those at elevated risk.

Dr. Spear has served in leadership and professional roles with organizations including the American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging, Radiological Society of North America, and Illinois Radiological Society.

The October 17 presentation is intended to provide accessible, evidence-based information for community members and an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced breast-imaging physician. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about breast cancer screening and early detection.

EVENT DETAILS
Speaker: Georgia Giakoumis Spear, MD, MBA
Topic: An Expert Guide to Screening Guidelines, Personal Risk and Early Detection
Date: October 17, 2026 1PM
Location: Park Ridge Public LibraryPark Ridge, Illinois 
Event Coordinated by the Hellenic American Women's Council - Great Lakes

Free to Attend , Bring a Friend!    Registration is requested: tinyurl.com/dr-spear