In Catawba County, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women.

Because of the increasing numbers of new breast cancer cases in Catawba County, Catawba Valley Medical Center continues to expand its Breast Health Center programs.  Through a leadership role with the Catawba County Breast Cancer Coalition and partnerships with the American Cancer Society and the NC Foothills affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Catawba Valley Medical Center plays a vital part in promoting breast health and early detection within the community.

The medical center takes this mission on the road with the Mobile Mammography Unit.  This state-of-the-art diagnostic center on wheels visits more than 40 companies, health care providers and organizations in the Catawba Valley area and provides approximately 7,000 mammograms annually.  The medical center also provides low-cost mammograms in conjunction with Catawba County Public Health.

The Catawba County Breast Cancer Coalition, an initiative involving the medical center and several local agencies, offers free breast health education programs to women and teens in the community.  Additional outreach takes place at the Health First Center, where women can learn proper techniques for breast self-exams or join local support groups affiliated with the American Cancer Society (ACS).  The Catawba County Breast Cancer Coalition is also working with ACS to improve the Catawba County Wig Bank, which provides wigs or head coverings for women who cannot afford to purchase them. 

On-site, the medical center’s Breast Health Center offers leading-edge breast health procedures, including digital mammography, stereotactic needle biopsy, and MammoSite radiation therapy.  Dedicated Cancer Resource Nurses provide information and support, and a nurse navigator – located at Catawba Valley Imaging Center – helps newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients take their next steps toward treatment.

“The mobile unit offers working women easier access to annual mammograms on a more regular basis, and in their own community.” ~ Sharon Smith, RN, MSN, CVMC’s Women’s Health Education Coordinator and manager of the mobile unit program