Wake Radiology’s 12-Year Partnership Fuels Local Breast Cancer Fight

RALEIGH, NC – April 16, 2026 – As the Durham Bulls Athletic Park prepares to host the 30th anniversary of the Komen Triangle Race for the Cure, one of its key partners is marking a milestone of its own. Wake Radiology UNC Health Rex has announced its 12th consecutive year of sponsorship for the event, a long-term commitment that has channeled more than $145,000 into the fight against breast cancer.

This year's race, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, will see the Wake Radiology Pink Diamond All-Stars team rally under the theme “Step Up to the Plate,” a fitting nod to the ballpark venue and a direct call to action for women to prioritize their breast health through regular screenings. The partnership highlights a deeply rooted collaboration between a leading medical provider and a global advocacy organization, both focused on improving health outcomes in the Triangle community.

A Decade of Dedication in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

The enduring relationship between Wake Radiology and Susan G. Komen® goes far beyond a simple sponsorship. It represents a sustained, strategic investment in community health. The more than $145,000 raised over the past dozen years has directly supported Komen’s mission, which funnels funds into cutting-edge research and provides crucial patient support services, including financial assistance for mammograms and cancer care.

For an organization like Susan G. Komen, which relies heavily on corporate and community support, such long-term partnerships are invaluable. They provide a stable foundation for planning and executing programs that have a tangible impact. The funds raised from events like the Triangle Race for the Cure, which has a 2026 goal of $475,000, are critical. Jenn Briand, Executive Director for Komen in North and South Carolina, has previously noted that these donations are invested in a patient care center that assists individuals throughout their cancer journey, demonstrating the direct line from community fundraising to patient support.

Wake Radiology’s involvement extends beyond financial contributions. The practice actively encourages participation from its physicians, staff, and their families, creating a powerful sense of shared purpose. This deep level of engagement exemplifies the kind of corporate citizenship that advocacy groups depend on to amplify their message and reach.

'Stepping Up to the Plate' for Early Detection

The “Step Up to the Plate” campaign is more than a clever slogan; it’s a public health imperative grounded in stark data. According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), mammograms are a woman’s best defense, reducing deaths from breast cancer by a staggering 40 percent. This is reinforced by survival statistics from Susan G. Komen, which show that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed at an early stage (Stage I or Stage II) is upwards of 90 percent.

“We are honored to support Susan G. Komen and reaffirm our commitment to the health of our community,” said Dr. Brent Townsend, President and Managing Partner of Wake Radiology. “Our subspecialty-trained radiologists and compassionate staff understand that when it comes to identifying and treating breast cancer, every second matters.”

This message is particularly resonant in North Carolina. While the state has seen a welcome decline in breast cancer mortality over the past three decades, incidence rates have increased by 23% between 2003 and 2021. Public health experts suggest this rise may be linked to increased access to and awareness of preventative screenings—a positive trend that underscores the importance of campaigns like this one. However, disparities persist, with Black women experiencing higher mortality rates despite higher reported screening rates, often due to later-stage diagnoses and barriers to consistent care.

Expanding Access Across the Triangle

Wake Radiology’s commitment to early detection is backed by a significant investment in infrastructure and technology, positioning it as a leader in accessibility for breast imaging in the region. The practice operates 11 breast imaging locations, more than any other provider in the Triangle. Crucially, each of these facilities has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE) by the ACR, the highest level of accreditation in the field.

This extensive network includes two comprehensive, dedicated facilities—the Cary Breast Care Center and the Raleigh Breast Care Center—which focus exclusively on specialized breast imaging and procedures. This scale is a key differentiator in a competitive landscape that includes formidable providers like Duke Health and UNC Health. While all major players offer advanced technology, Wake Radiology’s expansive footprint is designed to make it as easy as possible for women across the Triangle to access high-quality care.

“By combining our clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology across our many Triangle locations, we are ensuring that life-saving early detection is not only easily accessible, but delivered with the personalized care every woman deserves,” Dr. Townsend added.

The practice has consistently been an early adopter of new technologies, such as iCAD's Profound AI® to aid radiologists and offering advanced services like 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast MRI, and fast breast MRI—a cost-effective supplemental screening option for women with dense breast tissue.

A Model of Corporate Citizenship in Healthcare

Wake Radiology's role in the community extends beyond its sponsorship of the Komen race. The practice’s strategic partnership with UNC Health Rex, for example, is designed to reduce patient costs by shifting imaging services from higher-cost hospital settings to more affordable outpatient centers, a move projected to save patients millions annually. This focus on both clinical excellence and financial accessibility demonstrates a holistic approach to community health.

By integrating public health advocacy, direct community engagement, and a business model focused on accessible, high-quality care, the physician-led practice serves as a model for how healthcare providers can function as pillars of community well-being. Their presence at the race, which will include an informational booth and giveaways, provides another touchpoint to connect directly with the community they serve.

As the Triangle gears up for the race, the message from Wake Radiology is clear: the fight against breast cancer is a team sport. It requires dedicated medical professionals, tireless advocates, and an engaged community willing to step up to the plate for their own health and the health of their neighbors. Those interested in joining the Wake Radiology Pink Diamond All-Stars team or donating can visit wakerad.com/race, while information on scheduling a mammogram is available at wakerad.com/mammogram/.