Keithe Shensky, MD

Novant Health Cancer Institute Elizabeth (Classical Hematology) treats noncancerous blood disorders such as anemia, clotting and bleeding conditions, and sickle cell disease. Our specialists provide thorough evaluations and advanced, compassionate care.

My focus is caring for women through all stages of breast cancer - from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and beyond. At Novant Health, I've been able to pursue this mission through a highly rewarding combination of clinical work and research. I have been principal investigator on several clinical trials involving drugs targeting proteins that cause cancer to grow and spread. These targeted therapies are particularly exciting because the drugs can manage specific types of breast cancer that are difficult to eliminate through surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. \n My role as a medical oncologist is to develop a clear treatment plan that takes advantage of the growing options available and be available to address all your questions. I strive to make sure my patients take advantage of the many resources Novant Health offers, whether that's participation in a clinical trial, helping you prevent hair loss during chemotherapy, or referring you to our cancer wellness exercise program for cancer survivors. \n The opportunity to work with patients over an extended period is a big part of what attracted me to oncology. During my residency, I had the opportunity to see the meaningful relationships that patients form with their oncologist and how rewarding it can be to guide a patient through their cancer journey. This is why I volunteer to participate in every initiative I can that supports and benefits my breast cancer warriors. \n I have lived in Charlotte since 2010, when I moved here with my husband and two kids after completing my training in New York City. I enjoy travelling, relaxing at the beach, reading, and watching my kids play sports and mentoring young children through Charlotte's Wayfinders program.

Growing up around my father's veterinary clinic in Atlanta, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. That dream solidified during college as I worked in a rural medical clinic in Zimbabwe, Africa. I chose a career in medicine to help those in need. \n I chose to specialize in breast surgical oncology because it brings together areas of medicine that I am passionate about: women's health, surgery and cancer biology. My work focuses on treating diseases of the breast - cancers and benign diseases - in women and men. I am a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast surgeon. \n My approach to care centers on shared decision-making between my patients and our multidisciplinary team. My patients are often able to participate in clinical trials aimed at improving their care, survival and quality of life. \n I use state-of-the-art breast surgery techniques. These include ultrasound-guided procedures, breast conservation using the Hidden Scar technique, oncoplastic breast surgery, nipple-sparing mastectomy, minimally invasive axillary lymph node procedures and axillary reverse mapping to reduce the risk of lymphedema. \n For me, it is rewarding to treat a patient for cancer and continue to look after her or him each year for surveillance. Those long-term relationships are what matter most. \n I am a member of the Novant Health Cancer Institute cancer committee and the physician excellence committee. I am also a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. \n In medical school, I was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. \n Medical school is where I met my husband, who is a Novant Health emergency medicine physician. We have one son and enjoy exploring Charlotte, spending time in the park, traveling and snow skiing.