For more information, contact: 
Lillie Flenorl                  -OR-                  Kimberly Alexander 
PR Advisor                                              Director of PR & Internal Communications 
Mobile: 901-609-5474                            Mobile: 901-830-6880 
Email: lillie.flenorl@bmhcc.org               Email: kimberly.alexander@bmhcc.org 

Baptist Women’s Health Center to celebrate breast cancer survivors 
during ‘Pink On & Groove On’ event
 

WHAT: Baptist Women’s Health Center is hosting Pink On & Groove On, an event to honor breast cancer survivors, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Created by Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women in 2021, survivors dress in their best pink outfits to celebrate life and survival with a costume contest, line dancing, photo booth and light refreshments. Sponsors for this event include Gilead Oncology and Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation/Think Pink Memphis. For more information about this free community event, visit  https://www.baptistonline.org/events/pink-on-and-groove-on.  

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 24  
             11 a.m.–1 p.m. 

WHERE: Second Baptist Church  
               Recreation Center
               4688 Walnut Grove Road 
               Memphis, TN 38117
 

BACKGROUND: Baptist Women’s Health Center is the Mid-South’s premier mammography center and is accredited by the National Accreditation Programs for Breast Centers. Baptist’s comprehensive breast program includes board-certified doctors, breast surgeons, radiologists and nurse navigators. Baptist’s mobile mammography unit offers grant-funded mammograms to women who might not otherwise be able to afford screening or diagnostic mammograms. Women can call 901-227-PINK or visit baptistpink.org to find out if they qualify for a grant-funded mammogram and to schedule an appointment.

INTERVIEW/PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES:     

• Jennifer Coleman, breast cancer survivor, marketing outpatient coordinator, Baptist Women’s Health Center
• Elle Coleman, breast cancer survivor 
   

###

Baptist’s mobile mammography unit will be on site for screenings and providing breast cancer education. Northeast Mississippi Health Care and Mississippi Breast and Cervical Program will help sign up uninsured patients for screenings. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 901-227-PINK.

Anyone present will have the opportunity to donate to Baptist Cancer Center’s Patient Assistance Fund to support patients who need financial assistance for medication, home medical devices, transportation and other necessities. Donations of $20 or more will qualify for a coupon card offering discounts to participating stores within Tanger Southaven throughout October.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, Baptist Cancer Center offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer. Baptist Cancer Center also has the Mid-South's only adult myelosuppression unit and is one of 45 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program grant locations across the country offering leading-edge clinical trials. In 2018, Baptist Cancer Center was awarded a second $9 million research grant under NCORP to continue to build its clinical trials infrastructure across the Mid-South. In 2020, Baptist Memorial Health Care launched the Mid-South Miracle, a multifaceted initiative aimed at reducing lung cancer deaths in the Mid-South 25% by 2030. For more information, please visit baptistcancercenter.com, or follow us on Facebook at @baptistcancercenter.

###

Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities. Even when tumors are detected, the full extent of the disease may not be clearly visible with a standard mammogram. Many women with dense breast tissue may require additional imaging after their initial mammogram, such as ultrasounds and MRIs. With the new contrast-enhanced mammogram, the extra steps may be eliminated.

An iodine-based dye is injected through an IV before taking mammogram images. The dye travels to areas of increased blood flow. Because tumors require a blood supply to grow, the surrounding blood vessels collect the dye, making it easier to detect tumors. Special software minimizes the dense tissue in the background, so areas of concern are more visible.

“Contrast-enhanced mammography helps level the field for detecting breast cancer early in all women,” said Dr. Lynn Gayden, medical director of Baptist Women’s Health Center. “This new technology may decrease the number of breast biopsies and follow-up testing required, as well as provide more comfort and reassurance for women with dense breast tissue.”

Contrast-enhanced mammograms have several additional benefits. The process is faster and less expensive than an MRI, and it’s generally more comfortable for women, particularly those with claustrophobia who may be anxious during an MRI. The CEM may also provide patients with a definitive answer on the day of their visit compared to possibly waiting days or weeks for MRI results.

A contrast-enhanced mammogram does not take much longer than a standard 3D mammogram. Once an IV has been inserted, it takes two minutes for the contrast dye to be injected. The imaging takes place within seven minutes of the contrast entering the body.

“We’re excited to offer the latest technology in early breast cancer detection,” said Jennifer Martinez, administrative director of Baptist Women’s Health Center. “We traveled to Boca Raton to learn about the contrast-enhanced mammogram and knew this would benefit so many women in the Mid-South. We’re proud to be the first to offer these advanced mammograms to our patients.”

Most women should begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer should begin earlier. If you have a family history, talk to your health care provider about your risks.

A physician referral is required for the contrast-enhanced mammogram, based on the patient’s medical and family history. The CEM is part of a diagnostic mammogram workup if an irregularity is found on a regular mammogram.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE DENSE BREASTS?

Breasts contain several types of tissue: glandular, fibrous connective and fatty breast tissue. A woman’s breast density is based on how much of each tissue type is present in her breasts. Dense breast tissue has higher amounts of glandular and fibrous connective tissue, but lower amounts of fatty breast tissue.  

Dense tissue can make it more difficult to see abnormal breast changes, such as tumors, because the tissue itself and the abnormality both appear as white areas on a mammogram. Fatty tissue appears as a dark area, so the white area of a tumor is more visible in contrast to the tissue.

How can I find out if my breast tissue is dense?

Your personal breast tissue density can’t be determined through a self-exam or from your doctor’s manual breast exam. Only a radiologist can determine breast density based on your mammogram images.

I’ve been told my breast tissue is dense. Is this common?

Yes, approximately 50% of women have dense breast tissue. It’s not something that needs to alarm you, but it does mean you may require additional screening techniques to get the best views of your breasts. Dense tissue can make it more difficult to detect abnormalities, so your doctor may want you to have follow-up procedures, such as ultrasounds, MRIs or even a contrast-enhanced mammogram as mentioned above.

Are there different levels of breast density?

Doctors use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) to classify breast density. This system was developed by the American College of Radiology and classifies breast density into four categories:

A. Entirely fatty breast tissue: Almost all of the tissue is fatty. Because this tissue is not dense, it is easier to see tumors or other abnormalities on a mammogram. This is found in about 10% of women and is more common in older women.

B. Scattered fibroglandular breast tissue: The breasts contain mostly fatty tissue with some areas of dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue. About 40% of women have this type of tissue. 

C. Heterogeneously dense breast tissue: This breast tissue contains large areas of dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue, with some areas of fatty tissue. It is difficult to detect changes and abnormalities in dense areas. This is found in about 40% of women. 

D. Extremely dense breast tissue: Almost all tissue is dense glandular and fibrous connective tissue, with little to no fatty tissue. Women with extremely dense breast tissue have a higher risk of cancer than those with little to no dense tissue. This occurs in about 10% of women.

The four categories of breast density, in order from A to D. 

Mammogram reports contain information about your breast density. If your report says you have dense breasts, your tissue falls into the category of either heterogeneously dense breast tissue or extremely dense breast tissue.

For more information about breast cancer services at Baptist Women’s Health Center, click here.

Angela Palmer was diagnosed in 2018 after she fell and broke her shoulder. She was on leave from her job as a home health nurse and decided to take time to get caught up on all her health care assessments. She usually had an annual mammogram, but she hadn’t gotten one that year.

Palmer underwent chemotherapy and radiation and has been in remission for five years.

While at an appointment, she noticed some pamphlets for Baptist programs and began attending a monthly support group at Baptist Women’s Health Center every first Wednesday of the month.

“There are about 30 of us in the group now,” she said. “I wouldn’t know any of these women without Baptist. I’ve learned so much from other survivors, and we’re all so close.”

Breast cancer survivors meet every month to support one another.

Maria Bernadette Williams Johnson is a two-time cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed in 2009 and underwent two lumpectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. Her first mammogram was on the Baptist mobile mammography unit when it came to her employer.

Due to the pandemic and some scheduling conflicts, she did not get her annual mammogram as usual in 2021. She was diagnosed for the second time in November 2022. She had a mastectomy and is currently on a five-year medication treatment.

“With the second diagnosis, I was pretty mopey,” Johnson said. She began attending the support group and found herself surrounded by women who could relate. “We’re all so different,” she said. “We have all ages, races and religions in there, but we all have this thing in common. We sit down and talk and have a wonderful time.”

Elle Coleman, Maria Bernadette Williams Johnson and Angela Palmer met at  Baptist Cancer Center's Women's Breast Cancer Support Group and now regularly volunteer with the mobile mammography unit. 

Queen Cunningham was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2018 at age 36. When she went for genetic counseling, she learned about the cancer support group and began attending.

“I went to the group before I made any decisions about my treatment,” she said. “Meeting those women was the best thing that could’ve happened.”

Because she had a strong family history of cancer, she opted for a double mastectomy. She encountered some other health issues the following year that led to a full hysterectomy.

Today, Cunningham is a regular on the mobile mammography unit— as a mammogram coordinator. In March 2024, she began working for Baptist. She drives the mobile, organizes outreach events and assists with appointments. She loves that she can use her personal experience to help others.

Queen Cunningham prepares a patient for her mammogram.

“A lot of women are so scared that they don’t even want to know if they have cancer,” she said. “I tell them what happened to me and how it’s better to know. I love that we can go into the community and meet them where they are. They don’t have to leave their comfort zone, and they don’t have to worry about transportation. I think if we don’t go to them, many women will never get a mammogram.”

Cunningham celebrated her sixth year of remission on Oct. 11. Every year she holds a big party with loved ones. This year, it was an extra special party — she got married on her remission anniversary.

For more information about Baptist's breast cancer services, please visit baptistpink.org. 

To schedule a mammogram, please call 901-227-PINK.

Breast cancer survivors Elle Coleman, Maria Bernadette Williams Johnson and Angela Palmer provide support to women when they arrive for mammograms on the mobile unit. 

The ladies in pink did not know each other before their cancer diagnoses. They met through Baptist’s monthly support group and formed special friendships through their shared experiences. They all found themselves eager to use their own experiences to support other women. 

“I started going to the support group and met Jennifer Coleman,” said Elle. “We hit it off right away, and we even have the same last name,” she laughed. “Jennifer told me about Baptist’s community outreach program, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Jennifer Coleman (no relation to Elle Coleman) is the outreach coordinator for Baptist Women’s Health Center and a three-time cancer survivor. 

Baptist’s Mobile Mammography Unit

The  mobile mammography unit bridges the gap for early detection. Baptist partners with many community groups and businesses to provide convenient locations for mobile mammography services.

One community partner is Knowledge Quest, a nonprofit organization serving South Memphis. Knowledge Quest founder and CEO Marlon Foster stopped by the unit and expressed gratitude for Baptist’s involvement. 

“We’re so grateful for the way Baptist comes through for the community we serve,” said Foster. “The folks at Baptist understand we have to make mammograms accessible. When people have limited transportation means or can’t take off work for an appointment, having the mobile come to them makes all the difference.”

Mobile volunteers pose with the Knowledge Quest team.

Mom to 3-year-old Grace and 1-year-old Andrew, Rapp was shocked but quickly transitioned into mama bear fighting mode, and her faith played a major role.

"Of course I’m scared, but there was a time when I didn’t think I’d be able to have children. God’s not going to bless us with these beautiful babies and take me away from them. I sat on the bed with my husband, and we prayed. We gave it all to God.”

Baptist Cancer Center  hematologist/oncologist Dr. Aleksandar Jankov ordered a lung biopsy, and Rapp received her diagnosis — Stage IV breast cancer. She was on full oxygen and could barely get out of bed. She was in the hospital for two weeks and had about 30 bags of antibiotics. 

“We weren’t sure I’d ever leave the hospital, and we thought I’d always need oxygen. Making it out of the hospital was nothing short of a miracle.”

Rapp not only left the hospital; she arrived at her follow-up appointment without oxygen.

The treatment plan

Because the cancer was so advanced, surgery wasn’t an option. So Rapp chose an aggressive treatment plan and immediately began her first round of infusion chemotherapy. She completed six full rounds of two types of chemotherapy — in just four months.

"I told Dr. Jankov I didn’t care what I have to go through; I want to be here to see my kids grow up."

Rachel and Dr. Jankov during a follow-up appointment.

Dr. Jankov wants women to know it’s easy to get a referral for genetic counseling.

“You don’t need a specialist to order the counseling; your primary care physician can do that.”

Baptist’s genetic counseling program  offers grants for women whose insurance may not cover the costs.

 Click here for a short quiz to determine whether you should consider genetic testing.

Rapp’s support system

“My husband and mom have been my rocks throughout this. I couldn’t even do laundry. I’ve needed so much help from others, and it’s been overwhelming to see how many people are jumping in to help us.”

Rapp isn’t just a Baptist patient; she’s also an employee. She’s worked as an administrative secretary at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women for two and a half years, and her work-family rallied around her. 

"God surrounded me with selfless and caring coworkers who have dedicated their lives to helping women. And Dr. Jankov — he is wonderful! I told him in the very beginning that I knew God sent him to heal me."

Rachel's coworkers kept her spirits up during her hospital stay.

Baptist Cancer Center uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating breast cancer patients. A team of professionals meets weekly to discuss cases, working together to find the best options for each patient.

“It’s so much more than just having an oncologist. It’s a galaxy of providers,” Dr. Jankov said. “That includes nurses, genetic counselors, surgeons, mammographers and social workers. It really takes a village.”

Rapp is grateful for her Baptist village, and she believes she is meant to use her diagnosis to spread awareness to others. Her children will have important information about their cancer risks, which will lead to early screenings, and she recognizes that knowledge is a valuable gift. She is thankful for the opportunity to show her young children how faith can carry them through difficult times.

“I want them to know you’re going to go through storms, but it’s not about what you go through. It’s how you get through it, and it’s important that your faith never wavers.”

Next steps

Because Rapp’s cancer is so advanced, the primary focus is to prevent additional spreading. Cancer cells were found in both breasts, her lungs, two ribs and her right hip bone. After she completed the infusion chemotherapy, a CT scan showed no cancer in her lungs and no new areas. Her original mass is considered stable.

“They say I’ll always have cancer, but I’m technically in remission,” she said. “My remission isn’t the same as what most people think of when they hear remission. MY remission means it’s stable. It’s still cancer, but it’s not as bad as it was.”

In September, she began an oral chemotherapy regimen. She takes two different medications — one daily, but the other is so strong that her body needs time to recover. She takes that medication for 21 days, then takes a week off before starting again.

Rapp’s faith has been instrumental during this difficult time.

“I know it sounds crazy, but I’m thankful God has allowed me to see His goodness through this, that He’s healing me. I’m so grateful for everyone who has prayed for me and supported my family, especially all my fantastic nurses.”

When asked what advice she’d give to other women, Rapp said, “If something is wrong, take it seriously. Don’t stop until you know what it is. I can feel my mass now, but I never noticed it before. Self-exams are extremely important, and getting mammograms earlier could be lifesaving.”

For more information about Baptist Cancer Center, please click here. 

The chance to improve lives is what inspired Candace Davis to pursue a career in breast cancer research. Davis, a clinical research coordinator at Baptist Cancer Center, began her role more than four months ago and hasn’t looked back. Patience, compassion and communication are the tools she brings to work each day. For Davis, the job is personal. She not only strives to help patients feel welcomed and informed when they volunteer in clinical trials but also honors the memory of her mother, who passed away from ovarian cancer when Davis was just 20 years old. “My mom is my driving force,” said Davis. “She’s the reason I help patients with cancer and why I wanted to work in clinical cancer research.”

Finding Hope After Loss

Clinical trials are research studies in which patients volunteer to test new drugs, devices or procedures. Doctors use findings from clinical trials to learn if promising approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment are effective. “When my mother passed away from stage 4 ovarian cancer, it felt like no one was around to give us information,” said Davis. “They seemed too busy to stop and talk or offer insight into what was going on with my mom. I never wanted anyone to feel that way.” [foogallery id="3639"] Shortly after her mother’s death, Davis’ cousins, Sasha and Cheryl, were diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 33 and 48. “Luckily, my cousins caught it in time,” said Davis. “They were another reason I wanted to be in research. I wanted to educate people and give them hope. I thought that if I could help a patient go through a clinical trial and thrive in life after the study — that would be worthwhile to me, even though I lost my mom.”

From Cousin to Advocate

To support her cousins through their diagnoses and treatment, Davis educated herself about breast cancer. She wanted to learn as much as she could about the disease.[foogallery id="3640"] “When my cousins were diagnosed with breast cancer, I learned that higher amounts of estrogen in the blood are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in some women,” said Davis. “It also intrigued me to learn that African American women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age than white women.” Now as a clinical research coordinator, Davis helps educate and support patients involved in breast cancer trials. “I’m there when patients follow up with their doctor,” said Davis. “I get their lab work and talk to the pharmacy to make sure their medications have been prepared for chemotherapy treatment. I also make sure they’re taking their medicine at home and answer their questions.” Outside of work, Davis is a wife and mother to three boys. She’s passionate, organized and committed to her family and friends. “Even when I’m not at work, I’m still telling people what to do,” said Davis. “It’s funny — most of my family members and friends might call me a little bossy, but it’s out of love. I take care of them, eat with them and spend time with them — because we never know what tomorrow holds.” Davis urges everyone to prioritize their health and never skip checkups or screenings. She lives by a popular breast cancer awareness campaign slogan: “Keep abreast to save a breast.” One mammogram could be the difference that saves or prolongs your life — the same things Davis fights for daily. “The best thing about going to work is the possibility that one of your patients' lives may be prolonged because they were in your research study or used a device in your clinical trial,” said Davis. ”To look in their faces and see they know you're trying to prolong their lives — that feeling is everything.” Visit our website to learn more about Baptist Cancer Center. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

A lump in the breast is frightening, even if it turns out to be noncancerous. When Shuntavia Bowman — who was just 16 years old at the time — found a lump in her breast in 2015, she didn’t know what to do. “I was in high school when I found the lump,” said Bowman. “I lost weight, my breasts shrunk and my menstrual cycles were difficult. I didn’t want to believe I had cancer. I wanted to believe the lump would go away, so I didn’t tell my mom.” Two years passed before Bowman revealed her concerns to her family, who took her to the emergency department. However, without health insurance, she couldn’t afford the tests doctors recommended. Again, her health took a backseat as she experienced additional hardships, including homelessness. Recently, Bowman’s sister found a way to help. “Her sister expressed concern to her teacher who then called me,” said Janice Taylor, program director for Baptist Operation Outreach. “When we heard about her situation, we immediately welcomed Shuntavia for testing.” Baptist Operation Outreach is a free health care clinic for individuals or families without permanent housing. It started as a mobile clinic operated by Baptist Memorial Health Care and Christ Community Health Services in 2005. In 2019, Baptist Operation Outreach added a clinic location at the Catholic Charities of West Tennessee midtown location.

Long-Awaited Medical Care

At Baptist Operation Outreach, Bowman met with a nurse practitioner who examined her and referred her to Baptist Women’s Health Center for a mammogram. “During her mammogram, doctors determined she needed diagnostic tests,” said Taylor. “Testing confirmed she needed surgery to remove some of the lumps in her breast.” Bowman had seven noncancerous lumps in her breast, called fibroadenoma. Doctors don’t know what causes fibroadenoma, but it can grow larger over time or spread to other organs. “My surgery was a smooth process,” said Bowman. “I’m grateful that the mobile clinic and Baptist Memorial Hospital provided all the services I needed. They even helped me find a way to pay.” Because Bowman’s mammogram results were abnormal, she was enrolled in the Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi program at Baptist. The program helps patients access grant funding for breast care. As an eligible candidate, Bowman received testing and treatment free of charge.

Baptist Operation Outreach Services

Many patients like Bowman seek medical care in the emergency department because they don’t have the funds to go to an ordinary clinic. According to Taylor, Baptist Operation Outreach alleviates the barrier to medical care for the homeless population. “All the services homeless patients receive when they come to our location are free of charge,” said Taylor. “In fact, 85% of the patients we serve are uninsured and don’t have the ability to pay for their medical care.” Baptist Operation Outreach connects patients with a physician who uses an electronic system to record the details of the visit. This practice makes it simple for the mobile clinic to share patient records with other doctors or institutions who may request them. “It also ensures our patients receive consistent primary care,” said Taylor. “Patients are put into the system and the physician schedules a follow-up appointment or writes a referral for a specialty provider, if necessary. We make it easy for patients to continue seeing us as their primary care provider.” Patients may access a variety of services at the clinic, including adult immunization and other preventive care, behavioral health services, screenings and diagnosis of medical and health problems, treatment and management of specific diseases and minor injuries.

Making Health a Priority

If she could go back in time, Bowman would do things differently. She would give her 16-year-old self the same advice she has for others. “No matter how scared or fearful you may be, go get checked,” said Bowman. “Ladies, men and anyone who may need to make important decisions about their health — please don’t put it off. Take care of yourself. If you or someone you know in Memphis is homeless, living at a shelter or staying on a friend’s sofa, visit Ms. Taylor at the mobile clinic. She makes it her mission to help you.” The Baptist Operation Outreach clinic is located at 1325 Jefferson Ave. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Baptist Operation Outreach mobile clinic travels to different locations throughout Memphis during the month. To find out where the mobile clinic will be, visit Baptist Operation Outreach’s webpage or call 901-842-3167. Explore how Baptist helps patients access grant funding for breast cancer care. Learn more about how Baptist uses its resources and expertise to achieve the greatest good for the homeless community in Memphis. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

For some patients at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, there is a new way to get radiation therapy for breast cancer. The procedure, called intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), delivers a concentrated dose of radiation during surgery to remove a tumor in the breast. Dr. Alyssa Throckmorton, breast surgeon and medical director for Baptist’s multidisciplinary breast cancer program, said IORT helps reduce side effects, such as skin changes from whole breast radiation or risk of infection from partial breast radiation devices. IORT also eliminates the need for patients to make multiple trips to the hospital for weeks of radiation treatment. “Patients can have their breast cancer removed, receive a single dose of radiation and  be finished with all their local therapy in a single setting,” said Throckmorton.

A More Convenient Treatment Option

Yavette Gray was one of the first patients in the operating room. Gray was diagnosed with an early form of invasive mammary carcinoma in December 2018. Initially, she opted to undergo a full mastectomy with reconstruction — a major surgery to remove her breast tissue. “In the end, I reconsidered and decided to do a partial mastectomy with IORT,” said Gray. “Dr. Throckmorton explained why I was a candidate and that this procedure could allow me to get back to work and normal life sooner than traditional radiation treatments.” Throckmorton performed three of the first four IORT procedures at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, and Dr. Lindi Vanderwalde performed the other procedure. In all cases, Dr. Angela Wortham, radiation oncologist, delivered the radiation once the area was prepped by the surgeon. Potential candidates for IORT include patients who have:

• Early-stage breast cancer and are 45 years old or older
• Breast cancers that are estrogen receptor positive and negative for the HER2 gene
• Tumors that measure less than 3 centimeters and axillary lymph nodes that appear negative on preoperative examinations

Understanding the Procedure

Throckmorton and her team made sure Gray knew what to expect, from the first incision to how radiation would be delivered. “First, we make an incision and remove the cancer from the breast,” said Throckmorton. “We put a balloon device in place where the cancerous tissue used to be. A radiation oncologist and a physicist bring in the machine that delivers the radiation. The radiation source slides down into the balloon and fills it. The process takes about 10 or 15 minutes.” When the treatment is done, Throckmorton removes the balloon, closes the incision and sends the patient to the recovery room. Patients go home on the same day. “Before IORT was available, patients like Yavette had the option of doing 20 treatments after surgery in a process similar to an X-ray,” said Throckmorton. “Alternately, patients could choose to do 10 treatments over a five-day period during which a temporary device is inserted into the breast and removed after treatment.” IORT is a more convenient option. Gray, project manager for clinical trials at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, wanted to return to work without having to drive back and forth for multiple treatments. “In Yavette’s case, we were able to finish all her treatment in one day — and she's done really well,” said Throckmorton. “She’s cancer-free and didn’t need additional surgery or radiation treatment.”

Side Effects and Recovery

Gray credits her annual breast screenings for catching her cancer early. “It's really important to get your annual screening,” said Gray. “One of the reasons I was a candidate for this treatment is because they caught it so early. I would strongly encourage women to make sure they do self-examinations and never skip their annual screenings.” Gray’s recovery period and side effects have been better than she anticipated. She manages her fatigue, soreness and discomfort with ibuprofen and rest. Throckmorton has not seen significantly more side effects with IORT. The risk for infection is lower than with other radiation treatments. “It's important to have the right team of medical professionals,” said Gray. “I was very pleased with Dr. Throckmorton — she was personable and down to earth. My joy and spiritual relationship with God also helped me emotionally. I’ve been fortunate to have my faith and the support of family and friends throughout this whole journey.” Since Baptist began offering IORT, 24 patients have received the treatment and only two have needed to return for further treatment (whole breast irradiation). Learn more about Baptist’s first intraoperative radiation therapy procedure, or explore programs and services at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page. [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="3474,3475,3476,3478,3479"]

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Tennessee. Sadly, breast cancer deaths are significantly higher for African American women, a population that is more likely to receive late-stage diagnoses. To help increase breast cancer survival in the Mid-South, Baptist Women’s Health Center offers mammograms and diagnostic services for women who qualify through grants from the Susan G. Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi affiliate and the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program. The Tennessee Breast and Cervical grant cycle ends on June 30, but grant-funded mammograms will still be accessible after that date.

Diagnostic Breast Care Services

Early detection is the best way to reduce breast cancer deaths. However, many women are rarely or ever screened for breast cancer. For many, cost and access to care are barriers. “Unfortunately, there are women — low-income, older, underinsured or uninsured — who are less likely to access diagnostic breast care services,” said Nikki Gast, administrative director at Baptist Women’s Health Center. Grant funding based on need helps Baptist Women’s Health Center make mammograms and other breast diagnostic services more accessible to patients who cannot otherwise afford these services. “Anyone who is not getting regular screenings or following up on breast health issues due to an inability to pay or access to care needs to contact us,” said Gast. “We will determine which grant fits your needs.” Patients who obtain grant funding receive comprehensive mammography screening and diagnostic services. The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening grant also provides an avenue for coverage through Medicaid for patients with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Reaching Women Where They Are

Baptist Women’s Health Center not only offers mammograms but also ultrasound imaging for annual screenings and high-risk patients. “Our high-risk nurse assists with care for patients who have a strong family history of breast cancer or other factors that put them at risk for the disease,” said Gast. High-risk patients may be offered a referral for services with a breast specialist, discussions on screening recommendations and genetic testing with genetic counselors. “We have been able to reach women at our location at 50 Humphreys Blvd., but there is still a need to find innovative ways to reach women where they are in the community,” said Gast. “Our mobile mammography unit helps fill that need.” The mobile mammography unit  partners with local physicians, churches and health care providers, such as the Church Health Center and Christ Community Health Services to bring screening services to patients. The mobile unit also visits businesses, grocery stores and community centers. It provides a convenient way for women in need to receive quick, 15-minute breast screenings without having to take time off work. “The mobile unit also serves as a powerful outreach tool to raise breast cancer awareness in our community,” said Gast. “An African American woman in Memphis is almost 50% more likely to die from breast cancer. This disparity is tied to later diagnoses due to a lack of access and an inability to pay for care. The mobile unit  focuses on the 14 ZIP codes in Memphis with the highest mortality rates [for breast cancer].”

How to Receive Funding for Breast Cancer Screenings

Grant assistance is available based on financial need. Some grant funding ends June 30, while other grants are available on an ongoing basis. To inquire about eligibility for grant-funded breast health care, please call 901-227-PINK (7465). To find out where the mobile unit is scheduled, please call 901-226-0832. Forms to help patients prepare for a mobile mammography appointment are available online. “Contact us to let us know you need a mammogram,” said Gast. “Inability to pay for care should not mean patients don’t get the tests and preventive care they need. Early diagnosis is key to surviving breast cancer. Mammograms are uncomfortable, but they last just a moment and that moment can truly save a life.” Learn more about breast cancer services at Baptist or how you can support Baptist and the Komen Memphis-MidSouth Mississippi affiliate. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

• Multiple family members with the same kind of cancer
• You or another family member have had breast cancer before the age of 50
• You or another family member have had breast and ovarian cancer
• You or a family member have had breast cancer in both breasts or ovarian cancer in both ovaries
• Cancer seems to run in the family in general

• Discharge from the nipple
• Inversion, dimpling, bulging, itching, irritation, or scaling of the nipple
• Rapid increase in pain with redness or rash
• Rapid change in size, shape, or vein patterns

• Smoking cessation
• Limiting alcohol intake
• A nutritious diet and regular exercise
• Annual mammograms (or more often as recommended by your doctor)
• Clinical breast exams
• Speaking with your doctor about high-risk screening and genetics counseling As with all other cancers, early detection is the key. Speak with your doctor to develop a personalized screening plan based on your family history and make sure you know the proper way to perform a self-exam at home.

• Aging
• High levels of estrogen in the body due to heavy alcohol consumption, hormonal medicines, obesity, liver disease, Klinefelter syndrome, or exposure to estrogen in the environment
• Strong family history of breast cancer, especially in other male family relatives
• Exposure to radiation, especially at a young age

• A new lump in the breast
• Breast Pain or Heaviness in the Breast
• Persistent changes to the breast , swelling , thickening
• Nipple abnormalities, erosion or inversion of nipple, or tenderness
• Spontaneous discharge from the nipple (especially if bloody)
• Sores, dimpling, or redness of the skin on the nipple and areola
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm

1. Stand in front of a mirror. Straighten your shoulders and place your arms on your hips. Check to see that your breasts are the same size, shape, and color that you see normally and that they are evenly shaped. If you notice dimpling, puckering, bulging of the skin, a nipple that has changed position, an inverted nipple, soreness, redness, rashes, or swelling, let your doctor know immediately.
2. Raise your arms above your head and check your breasts again, looking for the same changes.
3. Check for any signs of fluid coming from either or both nipples. This can include anything from watery, milky, or yellow fluid to blood.
4. Lie down and use your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa. Keep your fingers flat and close together and use a firm touch in a circular motion. Be sure to cover your entire breast, going from both top to bottom and side to side. The area should include your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage. Increase the amount of pressure you use as you move from the front to the back of each breast.
5. Lastly, stand or sit and feel your breasts. An easy way to do this is by performing this step of the exam in the shower. Use the same movements you did while lying down.