October’s designation as Breast Cancer Awareness Month spotlights Onslow Memorial Hospital’s comprehensive breast health services designed to support early detection, treatment, and ongoing care for those affected by breast cancer.
“Breast cancer remains one of the leading health concerns for women,” states Thomas Giffin, Executive Director of the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation. “However, the talented team that OMH has assembled to fight cancer is always looking for ways to provide avenues of early detection, always looking for methods to increase funding to allow additional people to receive breast cancer treatment right here in Onslow County, and are always looking to, not only help the patient, but also care for the support systems surrounding that individual.”
Onslow Memorial Hospital offers mammograms and breast ultrasound screenings at Onslow Women’s Imaging Center. The advanced imaging technology ensures accurate results necessary to map out the critical next steps on the road to recovery.
A recent addition to the Onslow Memorial Hospital team is Dr. Nicki Downes, an experienced breast surgeon who is committed to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s situation.
Another crucial component of breast cancer treatment, radiation oncology, is often utilized after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Dr. Darrel Ross, a trusted and beloved physician in the Jacksonville region, guides his team at Onslow Radiation Oncology to offer advanced radiation therapy tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
OMH also offers a dedicated professional who guides individuals through the complex healthcare system, particularly during their breast cancer journey. The Patient Navigator is the extra personal touch that patients, and their families, often need at this often emotional period of time.
Employees throughout the hospital also volunteer for The Julie’s Pink Warrior Project. Named in honor of Julie Zerkle, a breast cancer warrior who was passionate about supporting individuals with the same disease, the year-long Julie’s Pink Warrior Project helps provide 3D mammograms for the underinsured and uninsured residents of Onslow County. Since its inception in 2018, the determined service of these OMH employees/volunteers/friends, have provided funds to the OMH Foundation that have resulted in over 400 mammograms… and the number continues to grow!
Another monumental piece of the cancer treatment puzzle occurred four years ago, when the talented team comprising the Julie’s Pink Warrior Project began partnering with the Onslow County Health Department to bring back the Breast Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP.) The BCCCP is a community-based partnership created to provide full access to breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured or underinsured individuals who face high out-of-pocket costs.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a vital opportunity to educate our community and encourage proactive health measures,” said Onslow Memorial Hospital CEO and President Dr. Penney Burlingame Deal. “The expert team at Onslow Memorial Hospital is committed to providing exceptional breast health services and unwavering support to every patient who walks through our doors. We are proud to provide quality care, close to home.”
For more information on Onslow Memorial Hospital’s breast cancer services, visit Onslow.org/Pink-October.
To make a donation to The Julie’s Pink Warrior Project please go to https://onslowmemorialhospitalfoundation.org/one-time-gift/
