Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Breast cancer resources in Birmingham + one survivor’s advice
Reading time: 5 minutes
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it’s important to remember that breast health matters all year long. From screenings and specialized care to support for patients and survivors, Birmingham has resources to help you along the way.
Read on for local breast cancer resources, a few ways to lower your risk and the story of survivor Madeline Patterson, who knows firsthand why it’s important to speak up, ask questions and advocate for yourself.
Birmingham breast cancer survivor: Madeline Patterson’s story
Sometimes the best way to understand why screening and advocacy matter is to hear from someone who has been there.
Birmingham’s Madeline Patterson knew she was at higher risk for developing breast cancer because of her family history and a BRCA1 genetic mutation, so she started getting regular screenings at age 25. But even though she was taking all the necessary steps to stay on top of her breast health, she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer at age 31 in November 2022.
“Looking back, I thought that since I was being so proactive that it wouldn’t happen to me, especially not so young.”
Madeline Patterson, breast cancer survivor + BCRFA Junior Board Member
Madeline’s diagnosis came after a routine mammogram and led her to have a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and multiple reconstruction surgeries.
Along with the support of her family, she also reached out to Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center in Birmingham for free mental health counseling. Madeline calls it “a wonderful resource in Birmingham’s breast cancer community.”
How Madeline is helping Birmingham’s breast cancer community
While navigating the hardest parts of her diagnosis and treatment, she also looked for a way to turn her experience into something that would help herself and others heal.
“The day I was diagnosed, I promised myself I would do something good with this horrible experience, and serving other breast cancer patients and survivors has continued to help me heal.”
Madeline Patterson, breast cancer survivor + BCRFA Junior Board Member
Today, Madeline serves on the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA)‘s Junior Board, where she gets to connect with others who have gone through experiences like hers and helps bring the community together to support breast cancer research.
This advocacy has become an important part of her survivorship. Her advice is simple: “YOU are your best advocate.” That means knowing your family history, asking questions, talking with your doctor about genetic testing and staying on top of recommended screenings.
“Knowledge is literal power. Early detection can make the difference in being diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer versus Stage 4.”
Madeline Patterson, breast cancer survivor + BCRFA Junior Board Member
Birmingham-area breast cancer resources
If you’re looking for support, care or simply a place to start for breast cancer health, these Birmingham resources can help:
Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama
- What’s offered: Breast cancer research across the state through local fundraising events + programs, including specialty license plates that raise awareness + help fund research in Alabama.
- Connect: Website | 205-413-4600
Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center
- What’s offered: Free survivorship planning, peer mentors, mental health counseling, transportation resources, support groups + wellness education for Alabama breast cancer patients, survivors + co-survivors.
- Connect: Website | 205-838-6159
Grandview Medical Center Mammography
- What’s offered: Routine breast cancer screening, diagnostic imaging, follow-up care + advanced breast procedures.
- Connect: Website | 205-971-1489
O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of UAB
- What’s offered: Breast cancer screenings, diagnostic services, treatment + specialized care for patients diagnosed with or at risk for various forms of breast cancer, including: HER2-positive, triple-negative, metastatic, hereditary breast + ovarian cancer syndromes.
- Connect: Website
- Wallace Tumor Institute: 205-934-5080
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at Acton Road: 205-978-0250
Want resources beyond Birmingham? See our guide to free screenings, support groups + more across Alabama.
Tips for lowering your breast cancer risk
While some risk factors, like age and family history, can’t be changed, there are some things you can do to help lower your risk of breast cancer, according to the CDC:
- Keep a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Drink less alcohol, or skip it altogether
- Breastfeed (if possible)
Keep breast health top of mind
October is a good time to put breast health at the top of your to-do list, but as Madeline told us, “We need more than just awareness. We need action and prevention all year long.” So stay informed, know your family history, keep up with recommended screenings and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
For more information, visit Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for resources on breast cancer screening, prevention + coverage.
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