One of the most daunting parts of a breast cancer journey can be the thought of having to face it alone. Thankfully, no patient in the Greater Charlotte Area has to go without support. Charlotte Radiology breast care specialists are part of a larger care network, focused on helping breast cancer patients access resources and navigate healthcare support services throughout their journey.
From offering annual 3D screening mammograms to the latest in diagnostic breast imaging, including breast MRI, abbreviated breast MRI, breast ultrasound and automated breast ultrasound, Charlotte Radiology partners with patients to help them navigate some of the most important parts of their breast health journey.
“We’re dedicated to providing our community with the resources and tools to inform and educate women about breast health,” says Shannon Hill, M.D., board-certified radiologist and Section Vice Chief for Mammography at Charlotte Radiology. “We support the local breast health community through health fairs, special clinics and breast cancer awareness events. We also hold mobile screening mammography events that help women access breast cancer screening throughout the year.”
With a robust support system in place, you’ll feel more empowered to face whatever your breast health journey brings.
Importance of Annual Screenings in Detecting Breast Cancer Early
Breast health experts recommend annual screening mammograms for women at average risk for breast cancer starting at age 40. Annual 3D screening mammograms can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, requiring less invasive treatment and improving survivorship. In fact, 3D mammograms can detect breast cancer up to three years before a lump can be felt by a patient or physician.
Your breasts change year over year and throughout your life. Many women find their breasts swell and become tender every month before they get their menstrual period. And many women experience breast changes as they go through menopause later in life. Most changes in breast tissue through the course of your life are completely normal.
Annual screening mammograms help evaluate breast health changes and provide peace of mind. At Charlotte Radiology, we are dedicated to supporting your proactive women’s health regimen. Our team of expert radiologists specializes in breast imaging and procedures, while our technologists provide exceptional comfort and care to our patients. Our mission is to assist you in maintaining optimal well-being and identifying any potential breast health issues at the earliest stage possible.
Introducing Your Breast Care Specialists Team
When you have a mammogram or other breast imaging done at Charlotte Radiology, you can rest assured you are in the hands of breast health specialists who are subspecialized in mammography and procedures and passionate about providing the highest level of patient care. Our team of all-female technologists, along with our board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists, are committed to providing you with precise, reliable results, and our compassionate nurse navigators are ready to help should you need additional care following imaging.
“Treating breast cancer is complex,” Dr. Hill says. “The process works best with a team of experts collaborating to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Each patient’s breast health plan is slightly different. The process works best with a team of experts collaborating to determine the most appropriate and personalized care for every patient diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Your Charlotte Radiology breast care specialists team includes:
- Radiologist: a physician who interprets your breast images to help diagnose cancer, fellowship-trained board-certified radiologists subspecialized in breast imaging and procedures.
- Mammography technologist: an imaging professional who will perform your mammogram. At Charlotte Radiology, our all-female team of experienced technologists is dedicated to compassionate care.
- Patient navigator: a nurse or non-clinical professional who will answer questions, provide support, help facilitate appointments and connect you with helpful resources if breast cancer is detected.
- Primary care physician: the medical professional who helps monitor your overall health and partners with your breast care specialist for annual screening mammogram results or referral for additional supplemental screening options or advanced diagnostic imaging.
The Value of a Support System
Breast cancer can prompt a roller coaster of emotions. You may feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis and decisions you need to make or sad and stressed by how your life has changed in an instant. You may also feel hopeful for a future without cancer and grateful for the people you love and who will be there to support you throughout your journey.
Leaning on your network of support can be extremely beneficial through the highs and lows. According to the American Cancer Society, patients with strong support systems have a better quality of life.
“It truly takes a village to navigate the treatment of breast cancer,” Dr. Hill says. “Many people in your life can play an important role in supporting you. Friends and family can help by listening when you need someone to talk to or running errands when you’re tired. Your teachers or employer may be able to offer accommodations to help you continue learning or working during treatment. Support groups and survivor events can help you build connections with others who understand what you’re going through.”
Read More: 10 Mammogram Questions You’re Too Nervous to Ask
Community Resources
A constellation of community resources is ready to assist you throughout your breast health journey. Charlotte Radiology partners with several local organizations to support, educate and empower women to prioritize breast health. We also help women access important services, such as screening mammograms.
Breast cancer awareness organizations in the Greater Charlotte Area include:
- American Cancer Society North Carolina
- Atrium Health Levine Cancer, which includes the Sandra Levine Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program
- Carolinas Breast Health Coalition
- Carolina Breast Friends/The Pink House
- Go Jen Go
- NothingPink
- Susan G. Komen North Carolina
- The Pink Bow Campaign
Another great way to connect with the local breast health community is through community events. Each year, Charlotte Radiology hosts two events to raise awareness and vital funding for free screening mammograms for local uninsured women through Levine Cancer: Project PINK.
- Pink Pint Night at NoDa Brewing Company has been a community tradition for 13 years. This event is held on the eve of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (the last Thursday in September) when we come together as a community to raise awareness, celebrate breast cancer survivors and warriors, and help raise funds for Project Pink. The event includes live music, great brews, food trucks, an online auction and more, with all proceeds staying local to fund Project Pink screening days.
- Pink Knights is an annual baseball game fundraiser hosted by Charlotte Radiology and the Charlotte Knights at Truist Field in uptown Charlotte. Now in its 18th year, the Pink Knights community event helps raise awareness about the importance of early detection through annual screening and honors breast cancer survivors and fighters.
Read More: 8 Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked
Charlotte Radiology as a Breast Health Partner
As a key member of your dedicated breast care team, we’re here to provide comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs — and to offer support you can count on from screening to survivorship.
“We believe compassionate care goes beyond providing diagnostic services,” Dr. Hill says. “It also involves establishing a caring connection with the patient and their family and supporting them through every step of their journey.”
