FirstHealth Cancer Center

10/27/2025

10/03/2025

💕 🗓 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ladies, your health matters—especially when it comes to early detection.

Here is why it's important...

- 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
- When detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%
- Many women between 30 and 50 are not getting screened regularly

What you can do today...

- Schedule your annual mammogram (starting at age 40 or earlier if you have risk factors)
- Learn how to do monthly self-exams
- Talk to your provider about your family history

Learn more about breast health and how to schedule your mammogram: https://bit.ly/4h8VMC2

10/01/2025

We are incredibly grateful to Hayley for sharing her powerful story…

Following her treatment journey, Hayley is determined to help others - especially young breast cancer patients - navigate the difficult transition from treatment to survivorship. She shares her story openly to let others know they are not alone.

“A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence,” she said. “There are resources and people who can help you live a full, healthy life after cancer. I want every patient to know that.” Arnold remains deeply grateful to the FirstHealth Cancer Center team. “They cared for me like family, and the survivorship program gave me the tools and support I desperately needed to move forward.”

09/08/2025

For many women, the thought of getting a first mammogram can feel intimidating. Questions often swirl: Will it hurt? How do I prepare? What if they find something?

If you’ve been putting off scheduling your first screening, you’re not alone. The good news is that with a little preparation and the right mindset, your mammogram can be a smooth and empowering step toward protecting your health: https://bit.ly/4pdFcos

09/02/2025

For Judy Georges, March 2025 brought an unexpected turn in her retirement years. At 65, she was living a peaceful life in Fayetteville, N.C., when a moment at her kitchen sink changed everything.

“I was standing there washing dishes when I suddenly felt cramping and experienced bleeding,” Georges recalled. “I had noticed bleeding before and wondered if it was normal for my age, but I hadn’t said anything. That day, I knew I needed to take action.”

The action led her to A Woman’s Place in Fayetteville, where she was referred to the FirstHealth Cancer Center. The diagnosis — endometrial cancer — was a shock. Accompanied by her sister and a church family member, Georges traveled to Pinehurst where she met Brian Burgess, D.O., gynecologic oncologist and member of FirstHealth’s cancer care team. From their first meeting, Georges knew she was in good hands.

“Dr. Burgess took time to explain everything about my cancer and the treatment he recommended,” she said. “He broke it down for me to understand. He made me feel comfortable and confident that I was prepared to do what needed to be done.”

For Georges, that meant surgery. Dr. Burgess identified the tumor in her uterus and moved quickly to schedule a hysterectomy at Moore Regional Hospital. On May 15, at her one-month follow-up appointment, she rang the celebratory bell at the Cancer Center, marking the end of treatment and the beginning of survivorship. Always one to put on a brave face, Georges revealed her fear. “I left it to my faith and trusted God to work through Dr. Burgess,” she said.

To others, Georges offers this advice, “Don’t wait. If something feels off with your body, get it checked out. And if you are in a cancer journey, have faith and take care of yourself. You are worth it, and you can do it.”

09/01/2025

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we highlight the impact of gynecologic cancers and the treatment options available at the FirstHealth Cancer Center in Pinehurst.

When cancer starts in a woman’s reproductive organs, it is called gynecologic cancer. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different risk factors and different prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective.

More information: www.FirstHealth.org/GynOnc

08/21/2025

Therapy dogs and their handlers are key pieces of our care team here at the Cancer Center...our patients, providers, nurses and staff always love to see Elle and Lin walking through the door!

06/24/2025

For Judy Georges, March 2025 brought an unexpected turn in her retirement years. At 65, she was living a peaceful life in Fayetteville, N.C., when a moment at her kitchen sink changed everything.

“I was standing there washing dishes when I suddenly felt cramping and experienced bleeding,” Georges recalled. “I had noticed bleeding before and wondered if it was normal for my age, but I hadn’t said anything. That day, I knew I needed to take action.”

The action led her to A Woman’s Place in Fayetteville, where she was referred to the FirstHealth Cancer Center in Pinehurst. The diagnosis—endometrial cancer—was a shock. Accompanied by her sister and a church family member, Georges traveled to Pinehurst where she met Brian Burgess, D.O., gynecologic oncologist and member of FirstHealth’s cancer care team. From their first meeting, Georges knew she was in good hands.

“Dr. Burgess took time to explain everything about my cancer and the treatment he recommended,” she said. “He broke it down for me to understand. He made me feel comfortable and confident that I was prepared to do what needed to be done.”

For Georges, that meant surgery. Dr. Burgess identified the tumor in her uterus and moved quickly to schedule a hysterectomy at Moore Regional Hospital. On May 15, at her one-month follow-up appointment, she rang the celebratory bell at the Cancer Center, marking the end of treatment and the beginning of survivorship. Always one to put on a brave face, Georges revealed her fear. “I left it to my faith and trusted God to work through Dr. Burgess,” she said.

To others, Georges offers this advice, “Don’t wait. If something feels off with your body, get it checked out. And if you are in a cancer journey, have faith and take care of yourself. You are worth it, and you can do it.”