Breast Cancer Care
It can be scary when you are diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s why UNC Health Pardee brings a comprehensive team – including a fellowship-trained breast surgeon, board-certified medical and radiation oncologists, and support – together in one location at Pardee Cancer Center. You can be confident that you are receiving the highest level of care from a team that is there to support you as you navigate your diagnosis.
Breast Biopsy
For some, an annual screening may determine that follow-up care, such as a biopsy, is necessary. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained radiologists use state-of-the-art equipment that provides the best chance of detecting cancerous lesions, including 3D-guided, Ultrasound-guided, and MRI-guided biopsy.
Pardee is one of the only health systems in Western NC to offer 3D-guided breast biopsy technology, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses X-ray imaging techniques to gather tissue samples from a breast abnormality. This means less radiation and less compression time, and more accurate results.
Fellowship-Trained Breast Surgeon
Whether surgery is recommended due to a cancer diagnosis or other problems of the breast, Pardee’s board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon, Jennifer McAlister, MD, FACS, has over a decade of experience specializing in breast surgery. Dr. McAlister evaluates and manages patients with benign breast conditions such as breast pain, lumps, and cysts, as well as those with breast cancer. Her specialized education, training, and experience give her in-depth knowledge about complex breast diseases. She believes in treating each patient as an individual and educating and empowering them to make the best health care decisions.
Breast Surgery Innovation
Dr. McAlister has also implemented an innovative and more comfortable technique for marking non-palpable breast lesions. For many years external wires were used to locate abnormalities but now patients have access to a more convenient, comfortable process with the LOCalizer wire-free guidance system.
With this system, a miniature radiofrequency identification tag (the size of a tiny seed) is used to help locate non-palpable breast lesions. This approach allows the surgeon to more precisely target breast abnormalities and allows for less breast tissue removal.
Breast Health Navigator
Our certified breast care navigator is a specially trained registered nurse who guides patients with breast problems by providing education, support, and advocacy throughout the care experience. She serves as your advocate and helps plan and explain the many details of your care process. In addition to providing emotional support throughout the journey, your navigator acts as a liaison between you and your medical care team, secures timely appointments for you, and helps you to feel like you’re never alone.
Post-Surgery Therapy
The Lymphedema Clinic at Pardee Physical Therapy is focused on improving individualized health and wellness during and after cancer treatment. Our Post Mastectomy Program can aid in the overall recovery process which includes improving range of motion and strength post-surgery, lymphedema risk reduction, and education for infection prevention.
Survivorship and Support Programs
We understand that life after a cancer diagnosis requires extra support, care and vigilance. So, Pardee provides a breast cancer support group as well as survivorship programs aimed at helping you overcome the physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual challenges you may face, during and after your treatment. Learn more about our support and survivorship programs.
