Beaufort Memorial Hospital | Affiliated with Duke University Health System in heart and cancer

Keyserling Cancer Center

Breast Health Services

Breast cancer, if detected early, is one of the most treatable cancers. And, according to BMH mammography tech Mary Stutts, RTRM, methods for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer have improved tremendously in recent years.

“My mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer 30 years ago, and her choices were limited,” Stutts says. “Now, women have so many good options close to home. We’ve made amazing strides in making the most advanced technology available to women with breast cancer, and we are continuing to seek even better alternatives.”

At BMH, we're committed to bringing you the best possible care, from routine breast cancer screenings to follow up tests, when necessary. As part of our commitment to breast health, we offer a variety of advanced imaging techniques and tools, including:

A portable Automated Tissue Excision and Collection system (ATEC). This system allows for less invasive and faster breast biopsies. It is used for stereotactic, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) breast biopsies.

MRI-guided breast biopsies. BMH is one of only a few centers in the Southeast to offer this minimally invasive method of diagnosing breast cancer, says BMH chief radiologist Philip Blalock, M.D.

The biopsy requires only a small incision. You can go home right after the procedure and should be back to your normal activities within 24 hours.

Ultrasound. This screening method uses sound waves to create images of the breast. It can also be used to help with biopsies and cyst aspirations (removing a sample from a fluid-filled growth in the breast), says BMH technologist Queenie Whitaker, RTR.

Breast MRI. We have computer-aided diagnostic tools to help make MRI readings more accurate and easier to interpret.

“This technology streamlines the processing and interpretation of these studies. It cuts the time a radiologist needs to read a study, provides higher quality images, and gives more detailed information to guide treatment planning,” says Dr. Blalock.

We also have an eight-channel MRI system that allows both breasts to be imaged at the same time. According to Dan Guthrie, BMH MRI tech, this new technology provides the highest resolution and quality available. For women, that means more accurate staging, more precise information on the progress of treatment, and fewer trips out of town to access advanced care.

Mammography. “Because mammography is the best detection mode for breast cancer, every woman over 40 should be screened every year," Stutts says.

To help make these regular exams more comfortable, Stutts and her staff are using the soft Mammopads, which give a more comfortable screening .

Because of the large number of women who need routine screening mammograms, it's a good idea to schedule your appointment several weeks in advance. And, please, make sure to keep your appointment.

Mammograms can be scheduled up to 6 pm M-F, and from 8 am to 4 pm on Saturdays.


To schedule a mammogram, call BMH Centralized Scheduling at (843) 522-5015.

Get a mammogram, win a spa prize

Your next mammogram could come with a prize. BMH is entering the names of women who keep their mammogram appointments into a monthly drawing for a spa basket. To be eligible, schedule your next mammogram by calling (843) 522-5015.

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