Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care in Carteret County: A Journey from Diagnosis to Recovery

MOREHEAD CITY — For patients diagnosed with breast cancer, the road ahead can be overwhelming.

In Carteret County, the journey is made easier by the close-knit, dedicated team of specialists providing comprehensive care. This multidisciplinary approach helps patients navigate the process, from screening to surgery and beyond, ensuring access to the best available resources.

At the center of this care network is Dr. Mindy Merritt, the county’s only breast surgeon. Her team, consisting of Breast Surgery Coordinator Kayley Harrell, Physician Assistant Sara Bishop, and Registered Nurse Janelda Paylor, plays a crucial role in guiding patients through every step of their treatment.

Whether it’s ensuring timely appointments, coordinating care between specialists, or addressing financial and logistical concerns, the team is focused on providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

The breast cancer diagnosis process typically begins with a routine mammogram, often recommended for women starting at age 40 unless higher risk factors necessitate earlier screenings. If the initial mammogram reveals abnormalities, patients may require further testing, such as a diagnostic mammogram or a biopsy. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Merritt’s team reaches out to patients, offering both medical guidance and emotional support.

“We make sure everything moves forward smoothly, whether the patient needs chemotherapy first or surgery,” Harrell said. “We’re here to facilitate communication between the patient and providers, ensuring that every concern is addressed in a timely manner.”

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often face choices between two primary surgical options: a partial mastectomy (or lumpectomy), which aims to conserve as much breast tissue as possible, or a full mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. Both procedures offer similar survival rates, and many patients are given the option to choose based on their personal preferences and medical advice. For those opting for a mastectomy, symmetrical mastectomy options and reconstructive surgery are considered to prioritize both cosmetic outcomes and the patient’s mental health.

“Cosmetic outcomes and mental health are always a priority,” Harrell noted, emphasizing the importance of ensuring patients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

One of the unique advantages of receiving breast cancer care at Carteret Health is the personal connection patients can maintain with their healthcare providers. Harrell and Paylor serve as direct links to the surgical and oncology teams, providing continuity and accessibility that can be hard to find at larger facilities.

“When you’re treated at a bigger institution, you might find yourself navigating multiple voicemails,” Harrell explained. “Here, every patient has our contact information. If they need something, they know exactly who to call.”

Dr. Merritt’s team also hosts “cancer talks,” where newly diagnosed patients can meet the care team and discuss the next steps in their treatment. These meetings, which often include the patient’s family, provide an opportunity to ask questions and absorb the vast amount of information that comes with a diagnosis. During these sessions, Dr. Merritt uses diagrams and straightforward language to explain treatment options, whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy, or other interventions.

“Patients come in with a lot of questions, and one of the most common is, ‘Will I need chemotherapy?’” Bishop said. “That’s a decision we can usually make after surgery, once we have final pathology results.”

By offering personalized care, clear communication, and access to top-tier medical expertise, Dr. Merritt and her team ensure that patients in Carteret County receive the best possible support through every stage of their breast cancer journey.

Carteret Health Care’s Breast program has been Nationally Accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) since 2022. The NAPBC is a program developed by the American College of Surgeons as a quality improvement program for Breast Centers. According to the National Institute of Health NAPBC “is granted only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide best in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and are able to comply with the established NAPBC standards.”

Carteret Health Care will offer a screening day on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. offering breast exams and mammograms. Anyone interested can register by calling the scheduling department at 252-499-6200.