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Breast Cancer and Comprehensive Breast Care Program

Breast cancer care at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center combines the latest diagnostic tools, innovative treatments, multidisciplinary care teams, and clinical trial opportunities to treat your cancer from all angles. Our program exists not only to help you achieve the best outcomes from your diagnosis, but also to give you the best quality of life.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women aside from skin cancers, with one in eight women being diagnosed during their lifetime. Thankfully, powerful imaging tools such as mammograms and breast MRIs can help detect the disease early when it is easiest to treat.

We’re Here For You

At Hollings, we know a cancer diagnosis can be a life changing event. We are here to support you through your journey. Call 843-792-9300 and make an appointment. Experience what sets us apart.

Graphic with geometric patterns in the background that reads High Performing Hosptial | University Medical Center | High Performing Hospitals U.S. News & World Report 2023 to 2024 | Cancer

In good hands

You know you're in good hands at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Here, you have access to the latest innovations in cancer treatment, including clinical trials, advanced surgical techniques, support services and survivorship planning. You can rest easy knowing we hold national rankings for cancer care and take a leadership role in cancer research and prevention.

The Hollings difference

Treatment and Support

Dr. Rochelle Ringer talks with a patient

By bringing together breast cancer experts with specialized training in medical oncology, breast imaging, and breast surgery and reconstruction, Hollings offers a well-rounded approach to breast cancer treatment that makes our program the most advanced in South Carolina.

Our program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and includes:

  • An Advanced Breast Reconstruction Program that offers you the full spectrum of breast reconstruction options, including the DIEP flap procedure.
  • A High-Risk Breast Evaluation Program and genetic counseling program, which offers personalized risk assessments and consultations to determine the best care approach if you have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
  • A multidisciplinary tumor review board, which reviews every breast cancer diagnosis along with available treatment options, taking into consideration multiple opinions.
  • Physical, emotional, and social support services for breast cancer survivors through our Patient & Family Resources. Our Breast Cancer Survivors’ Fit Club focuses on exercise, nutrition, and other quality of life factors specific to breast cancer survivors.

Nurse Navigator Support

Our breast cancer nurse navigators will help you understand what to expect during treatment and answer questions you may have. Denise Kepecs, BSN, RN, CBCN, and Melanie Wilson, BSN, RN, OCN, are at our downtown Charleston location and Kerry Reilly, BSN, RN, is at the Bluffton Breast Health Center.

mammogram image

Studies show that routine mammograms reduced a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer within 10 years of her diagnosis by 41%. MUSC Health’s team of specially trained radiologists offer mammograms at three convenient locations in the Charleston area, making it easy for you to take control of your breast health.

Our comprehensive breast clinic offers same or next-day appointments for new breast concerns, providing prompt access for new or existing patients with no referrals necessary. Regardless of where you have your mammogram done, results are read within 24 hours by a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging.

Our program also offers additional diagnostic tools, including breast MRI, stereotactic biopsies, and computer-aided diagnostics that highlight areas of suspicion within a mammogram.

Dr. Nancy Klauber-DeMore in her lab

Our innovative researchers make groundbreaking advances in the fight against breast cancer that help save lives around the world. Areas of focus for our researchers include improving breast cancer prevention measures, developing new surgical techniques, and reducing health disparities.

Recent projects include:

In addition, Hollings’ dedicated Breast Transdisciplinary Cancer Team brings together expertise from different disciplines in basic and clinical research for monthly meetings to collaborate on ongoing breast cancer research.

As South Carolina’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Hollings offers you clinical trials and treatments that aren’t available anywhere else in the state. These opportunities provide you with access to the latest medications, therapies, and surgical techniques that can improve your outcomes. Learn more about clinical trials at Hollings and see our current breast cancer clinical trials.

I had a 3D mammogram. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting a 3D mammogram. They never would have found this. They never would have seen it otherwise.

Joannah Sampson, triple negative breast cancer survivor

Joannah's story
a woman wearing a bright pink shirt flexes her right arm

If you have a feeling that something is not right, definitely take that and run with it. Be an advocate for yourself because if you’re not an advocate for yourself, nobody is going to be.

Danielle Lee, triple negative breast cancer survivor

Danielle's story
a smiling woman with a nearly bald head wearing a light pink shirt

In the African American culture, we don’t want to feel like we are guinea pigs for science. But I don’t see it like that. I hope my story changes the conversation in the community because medicine has come such a long way, and a big reason for that is because of clinical trials.

Varnesta Major, breast cancer survivor

Varnesta's story
Vernesta Major leans against a gate

Breast Cancer Care Locations

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Downtown

86 Jonathan Lucas Street

Charleston, SC 29425

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Mammography Services East Cooper

East Cooper Medical Pavilion

1600 Midtown Avenue

Floor: 1

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Scheduling: 843-876-8282

Mammography Services Hollings

Hollings Cancer Center

86 Jonathan Lucas Street

Floor: 3

Charleston, SC 29425

Scheduling: 843-792-9729

Mammography North Charleston

North Area Medical Pavilion

8992 University Boulevard

Floor: 1

North Charleston, SC 29406

Scheduling: 843-876-2700

Mammography Services West Ashley

West Ashley Medical Pavilion

2060 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard

Floor: 2

Charleston, SC 29407

Scheduling: 843-792-8439

Mammography Chester

1 Medical Park Drive

Chester, SC 29706

Mammography Columbia Downtown

2435 Forest Drive

Columbia, South Carolina 29204

Mammography Elgin

40 Pinnacle Parkway

Elgin, South Carolina 29045

Mammography Florence Medical Center

805 Pamplico Highway

Florence, SC 29505

Mammography Florence Women's Pavilion

1590 Freedom Boulevard

Florence, SC 29505

Mammography Kershaw

1315 Roberts Street

Camden, South Carolina 29020

Mammography Lancaster Imaging Center

1037 West Meeting Street

Lancaster, SC 29720

Mammography Lancaster Medical Center

800 West Meeting Street

Lancaster, SC 29720

Mammography Marion

Marion Medical Center

2829 East Highway 76

Mullins, SC 29574

Hematology Oncology Florence

805 Pamplico Highway

Suite: 315

Florence, SC 29505

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Our breast cancer experts work together to provide you with the best possible treatment. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that you benefit from the experience of specialists in every aspect of your care.

mammogram

Mammograms save lives

MUSC Health’s team of fellowship-trained radiologists offer 3D mammograms at four convenient locations in the Charleston area as well as at locations across the state.

Mammograms at MUSC Health

 

Latest breast cancer news