CMC Receives $642,500 Grant to Expand AI-Enhanced Breast Cancer Screening

Conway Medical Center (CMC) has received a $642,500 grant over three years from The Duke Endowment to expand access to timely, high-quality breast cancer screening and diagnostic services. The grant will be used to integrate AI-assisted mammogram analysis and expand the breast health navigator role to enhance breast cancer care.

CMC will install AI technology at its outpatient imaging center and will launch a pilot program serving more than 2,000 women, with plans to scale to more than 5,000 AI-assisted screenings annually. The AI technology functions as an intelligent second reader, helping radiologists identify subtle signs of early-stage cancer—particularly in women with dense breast tissue—while reducing unnecessary callbacks.

The grant will also support the enhancement of CMC’s Breast Health Navigation program, a critical service that helps patients work through the complexities of breast health from initial screening through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Breast health navigators provide individualized education, emotional support, and resource coordination to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care. They help patients understand complex medical information related to diagnoses and treatment plans, reinforcing the importance of follow-up and adherence to care recommendations. 

“This grant allows us to respond to a growing and urgent need in our community,” said Dr. Paul Richardson, Chief Medical Officer at Conway Medical Center. “By combining AI technology with expert radiologist oversight and patient navigation, we can deliver faster results, detect cancers earlier, and reduce anxiety for thousands of women each year.”

Horry County faces significant barriers to breast cancer screening—particularly among rural, low-income, uninsured, and minority populations. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in South Carolina, and Horry County’s breast cancer mortality rate exceeds the state average. The county’s late-stage breast cancer diagnosis rate is 15% higher than the national average, with screening rates among minority populations falling well below national benchmarks.

Last year, CMC’s mammography team screened more than 12,000 patients and saw a 29% increase in diagnostic procedures recommended for follow-up care. This growth, while positive, has increased demand on radiologists at a time when South Carolina faces a significant workforce shortage—having 42% fewer radiologists per capita than the national average. These shortages can result in delays for scheduling diagnostic mammograms and biopsies. Faster reading times for screening mammograms could free-up radiologists to perform more diagnostic work.

The grant will support a multi-year initiative to:

• Integrate AI-assisted mammogram analysis to speed image review while maintaining clinical accuracy
• Purchase and install advanced biopsy equipment to reduce patient wait times and improve comfort
• Expand CMC’s Breast Health Navigation program to guide patients through diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment
• Improve early-stage cancer detection and follow-up completion rates

Through continued support from The Duke Endowment, Conway Medical Center is advancing innovative, compassionate care to improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and save lives across Horry County. “Since our founding in 1928, The Duke Endowment has been a trusted and consistent partner in our mission to improve our community’s health,” said Brian Argo, CMC President and CEO. “Their ongoing support has allowed us to launch and sustain programs that directly address health disparities and improve access to care. Through CMC’s commitment to embracing innovation, we are better equipped to meet our community’s needs and deliver more effective, compassionate care. This latest grant continues that legacy and will have a lasting impact on the women and families we serve.”

Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed more than $5 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.