Mammogram screenings are crucial for early detection of breast cancer, but many women face delays in getting them. These delays often occur because women either don't have a primary care physician or can't see one promptly. However, there are alternatives available.

Rare Disease Day, observed on Feb. 28, brings attention to uncommon diseases affecting populations of 200,000 or fewer. In Roanoke, the Wells Fargo Tower will be illuminated in pink, green, purple, and blue—the colors of Rare Disease Day—thanks to a collaboration between The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and Wells Fargo Tower. Despite their rarity, these diseases impact about 30 million people in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. In Virginia, many families are affected, including those in the Roanoke and New River valleys.

Nearly 20 years after losing her mother to breast cancer, Erin Hachwi, a mother of two, was shocked to receive the same diagnosis. Now, she's honoring her mothers fight by sharing her story of survival in the hopes other women will prioritize mammograms and screenings.

In honor of world cancer day, WSLS is inviting you to share your story too through Pin it. We want to recognize survivors and those still fighting while remembering those we have lost.

Carilion Clinic made its case to the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Certificate of Public Need on Tuesday, seeking approval to open a kidney transplant center at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Currently, the closest transplant center is located at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, a significant distance for many patients in the region.

The Virginia Department of Health’s Division of COPN has extended the deadline to make a decision on if it will allow Carilion Clinic to start a kidney transplant center in Roanoke. The state health commissioner will issue a final determination by May 9. If a decision is not made by May 9 the proposal will be automatically approved.

A new study from the University of Virginia shows that military personnel are ten times more likely to use nicotine pouches than the average American.

These winter storms that we are experiencing in our region can increase the risk in getting carbon monoxide poisoning.

Medetomidine, a powerful animal tranquilizer is making its way into the drug opioid crisis.

One in ten adults have food allergies, and with the holidays right around the corner, it can bring extra stress and worries about life threatening reactions.

Carilion Clinic recently conducted a community health assessment which gives a clearer picture of the health needs in our community.

Researchers at the UVA School of Medicine are researching how certain blood pressure medications can damage the kidneys.

A rare allergic condition has been on the rise lately, and doctors at UVA Health ARE working to help make diagnosis easier.

The CDC estimates 1 in 7 adults have chronic kidney disease. In Virginia, there are currently over 2,300 people on the state’s wait list for a kidney transplant. Carilion Clinic said the need for kidney transplants is expected to increase by nearly 35% over the next five years in our region. Yet, the nearest transplant center is a 2-4 hour drive away. Carilion is working to change that, but the final decision is up to the Virginia Department of Health.

Newly updated covid vaccines that protect against the current variant are now available in Southwest Virginia at CVS locations. WSLS 10 anchor and health reporter Rachel Lucas talked to expert about the vaccine while receiving her updated shot.

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. It's observed each year with the goal to increase understanding of sickle cell disease, and the challenges facing patients, families and caregivers. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Throughout history, it's long been misunderstood and medical professionals with Carilion say the disease has even come with some pretty unfair stigmas.

Reshaping the way we interact with doctors and receive medical supplies; you may have noticed a drone flying above Carilion's Roanoke campus over the past year. Carilion is using that drone to deliver medical supplies by air across sites on campus. The technology could have wider implications for the future of tele-health and remote monitoring.

It's been 8 months since a Christiansburg man's life changed forever after a horrific motorcycle crash. Thanks to quick emergency care at LewisGale Medical Center, a newly recognized Level 2 Trauma Center, he is rebuilding his life and is back at the job he loves.

New research is underway on long COVID, a prolonged illness after a coronavirus infection, and how it impacts our community.

The Central Virginia Health District will conduct the study about long COVID and its local impact