The Breast Health Center Empowers Women Through Specialized Care

AUBURN, Ala.—One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, making early detection critical in improving outcomes and saving lives. For Lauren Thorington, D.O., a fellowship-trained breast radiologist at the Breast Health Center in Auburn, annual mammograms are one of the most powerful tools women have to safeguard their health. 

“The most important thing for women, as far as breast health goes, is early diagnosis,” Dr. Thorington said. “Women are natural caregivers, and we are very used to taking care of everyone else, but we need to prioritize our health as well.”

The Breast Health Center, owned by East Alabama Health and located on the 3^rd floor of the Auburn Medical Pavilion, provides women with comprehensive breast imaging services like 3D mammography and breast ultrasounds. These advanced imaging technologies help detect abnormalities at earlier stages, improving accuracy and reducing false positives. 

Setting the facility apart even further is its all-female radiology team—Dr. Thorington and three other fellowship-trained breast radiologists— which is a unique distinction in the region.

“East Alabama Health has the only comprehensive breast center in the area,” Dr. Thorington stated. “Every technologist that we have is a breast-specialist technologist. So, our mammogram techs only do breast mammograms, our ultrasound technologists only do breast radiology, and our radiologists just read breast radiology when they are here.” 

In addition to breast imaging services, women treated at the Breast Health Center have access to dedicated breast imaging navigators which are specially trained mammographers who help educate and guide patients diagnosed with breast cancer. This includes scheduling follow-up appointments and treatments, assisting with medications and insurance, and offering support along the whole treatment journey.

“The Breast Health Center is a one-stop shop, so if we do diagnose you with something, we have our navigators to plug you into the right locations and get things taken care of,” Dr. Thorington said. 

The facility has been recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Cancer Center of Excellence. 

At the core of the Breast Health Center’s patient care is its reliance on breast-specific radiologists to interpret all diagnostic imaging. Unlike general radiologists, these specialists have advanced fellowship training focused solely on breast imaging. This specialized expertise leads to more accurate readings and earlier detection of abnormalities, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes for women.

Dr. Thorington and her team are committed to providing women with the care they need and deserve. Whether it’s an annual mammogram or support through a breast cancer diagnosis, they are dedicated to lending a hand every step of the journey.