Photos Atrium Health+Harbin Clinic
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., announced in 2023 that money has been earmarked for the mobile mammography coach at a press conference held at the Harbin Clinic Dr. Tony E. Warren M.D. Cancer Center. The mammography coach will be based at Atrium Health Floyd’s free-standing emergency department in Chattooga County.
“Providing mammography services in rural areas is so important, and it is one reason we plan to base the coach further north,” said Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd. “There are likely women in these areas who have undiagnosed breast cancer, and having mobile mammography readily available will make it easier to get a screening mammogram.”
Research also confirms Stuenkel’s assertions. The National Cancer Institute states that barriers to accessing health services , transportation challenges, fewer health care facilities and financial obstacles, contribute significantly to these higher incidence and mortality rates in rural communities. In fact, women in Chattooga County have the third-highest breast cancer mortality rate in Georgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Also, the CDC identified mobile mammography as one of the most effective interventions for addressing these barriers.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., announced in 2023 that money has been earmarked for the mobile mammography coach at a press conference held at the Harbin Clinic Dr. Tony E. Warren M.D. Cancer Center. The mammography coach will be based at Atrium Health Floyd’s free-standing emergency department in Chattooga County.
“Providing mammography services in rural areas is so important, and it is one reason we plan to base the coach further north,” said Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd. “There are likely women in these areas who have undiagnosed breast cancer, and having mobile mammography readily available will make it easier to get a screening mammogram.”
Research also confirms Stuenkel’s assertions. The National Cancer Institute states that barriers to accessing health services , transportation challenges, fewer health care facilities and financial obstacles, contribute significantly to these higher incidence and mortality rates in rural communities. In fact, women in Chattooga County have the third-highest breast cancer mortality rate in Georgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Also, the CDC identified mobile mammography as one of the most effective interventions for addressing these barriers.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., announced in 2023 that money has been earmarked for the mobile mammography coach at a press conference held at the Harbin Clinic Dr. Tony E. Warren M.D. Cancer Center. The mammography coach will be based at Atrium Health Floyd’s free-standing emergency department in Chattooga County.
“Providing mammography services in rural areas is so important, and it is one reason we plan to base the coach further north,” said Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd. “There are likely women in these areas who have undiagnosed breast cancer, and having mobile mammography readily available will make it easier to get a screening mammogram.”
Research also confirms Stuenkel’s assertions. The National Cancer Institute states that barriers to accessing health services , transportation challenges, fewer health care facilities and financial obstacles, contribute significantly to these higher incidence and mortality rates in rural communities. In fact, women in Chattooga County have the third-highest breast cancer mortality rate in Georgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Also, the CDC identified mobile mammography as one of the most effective interventions for addressing these barriers.
Whole person care beyond screening
While access to preventative care is a critical first step, comprehensive care also means addressing the full spectrum of patient needs: physical, emotional and social. The oncology team at Harbin Clinic Cancer Center is passionate about making high-
quality cancer care accessible to rural communities in partnership with Atrium Health Floyd. From their community interactions to their care philosophies, these providers are invested in each patient’s specific needs and long-term goals.
The Chairman of the Cancer Navigators Board and Harbin Clinic oncologist, Dr. Gregory Harris, shared about joint efforts to address rural food insecurity and cancer care in the local community:
“A surprising number of our cancer patients struggle with severe food insecurity. Today, about 225 active cancer patients utilize the Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries food bank each month and have access to hours to reduce their risk of infection. Cancer Navigators is working towards having nutritionists on-site to help patients select the best foods available for healing.”
Similarly, Harbin Clinic oncologist Dr. Melissa Dilmon, who works with the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), emphasized the importance of ensuring patients in rural areas have access to the same resources as those in urban centers. Describing her desire to advocate for the same, high-quality care, she said, “I steadily advocate for these resources to be more available to patients in rural areas.”
Radiation oncologist Dr. Matthew Mumber, well-known for his patient-centered philosophy and certified by the American Board of Holistic Medicine, said he pays special attention to broader needs in rural settings where access to care can be more pronounced.
“I take a multifaceted approach to oncology and try to focus on treating all levels of a person. Whether it’s improving access or providing education and counseling, I have always been passionate about getting patients the care they need,” said Dr. Mumber
Summarizing the heart behind their higher standard of care, Harbin Clinic oncologist Dr. Dilawar Khan said, “I am excited about the growth of our cancer service line and the expansion of our support services. These changes will help us provide even better, patient-focused care that meets the changing needs of those we serve. I am proud to be part of this journey and dedicated to making sure every patient receives the best care possible, today and in the years ahead.”
A tradition of transformative care
Driven by a shared vision of innovation, especially in rural areas, Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd continue to set the standard in cancer care, empathy and clinical excellence. From prevention and early detection to advanced treatments, genetic insights and rural access, they offer a truly comprehensive approach to healing.
Discover more about cancer care in northwest Georgia at:
onecareteam.org/cancer.
