MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 28, 2026 –Baptist Cancer Center will celebrate cancer survivors and their loved ones at the fourth annual Rhythm of Life Cancer Survivor Celebration and Awareness Day on Thursday, June 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Shelby Farms Park, 6903 Great View Drive North.

The community is invited to this free event, featuring live music, local food trucks, a photo booth, cancer screening education and MEGA Colon, a walk-through, interactive colon exhibit that helps visitors learn how to improve overall colon health and reduce risks for colorectal cancer. Two Baptist Cancer Center patients will also share their stories at the event.

“We are excited to continue this inspiring, uplifting and joyful event to celebrate and support community members whose lives have been affected by cancer,” said Parker Harris, administrator of Baptist Cancer Center. “Baptist Cancer Center has a THRIVE Survivorship Program, so we can help cancer survivors live their best lives. It’s important to recognize and support cancer survivors so they know they aren’t fighting alone.”

National Cancer Survivors Day is held annually on the first Sunday in June. The commemoration celebrates and inspires cancer survivors, recognizes those who have supported cancer survivors and serves as a call to action for further research, more resources and increased public awareness to improve the lives of cancer survivors.

For more information about Rhythm of Life, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2026-rhythm-of-life-cancer-survivor-celebration-and-awareness-day-tickets-1985762941413?msockid=1a45dd4874ea68672cfaca6175846931.

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 its second $9 million research grant under NCORP to continue to build its clinical trial 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.

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The symposium will explore the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer. Topics will include the use of AI technology in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, updates on radiation therapy for breast cancer, multidisciplinary care for multiple myeloma, early diagnosis of cancer and genetics. Nationally recognized cancer experts Dr. Lecia V. Sequist, a medical oncologist and researcher with Harvard Medical School, and Dr. Garnet L. Anderson, a biostatistician and clinical trialist with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, will be guest speakers during the symposium.

“Baptist Cancer Center is a premier cancer center that collaborates with other globally recognized cancer programs on developing innovative diagnoses and treatments, including multidisciplinary care programs, new techniques and advanced research,” said Parker Harris, administrator of Baptist Cancer Center. “Through Baptist Cancer Center’s annual Mid-South Cancer Symposium, our oncologists and researchers get to share their work and outcomes and hear from national cancer experts on new technology, medical advancements and using AI for greater diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”

Sequist, Landry Family professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and program director of the Cancer Early Detection and Diagnostics Clinic at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, leads a collaboration with Baptist Cancer Center and MIT to test an AI algorithm called Sybil that studies suggest might predict who will develop lung cancer in the future with more than 90% accuracy. The collaboration is part of a $6 million project involving five U.S. hospitals working as a consortium over three years to determine what Sybil could mean for reducing lung cancer cases with fewer CT scans.

Sequist attended Cornell University and Harvard Medical School and completed her clinical training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital. During training, she also earned a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She joined the faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in 2005, and her research focuses on novel technologies and approaches to cancer risk assessment, cancer screening and early detection.

Anderson is the senior vice president and director of public health sciences at Fred Hutchinson Research Center, the associate director for population sciences at Fred Hutchinson/University of Washington Cancer Consortium and professor of cancer prevention research and biostatistics programs in public health sciences at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She received a Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of Washington in Seattle, a Master of Mathematical Sciences from State University of New York in Binghamton, New York, and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho.

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 its second $9 million research grant under NCORP to continue to build its clinical trial 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.

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WHEN:           Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

                       9 a.m. to noon

WHERE:        Leftwich Tennis Center

                      4145 Southern Ave.

                      Memphis, TN 38117

BACKGROUND: Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service 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 first adult myelosuppression unit and is one of only 45 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program locations, as well as one of 13 institutions distinguished as a site to spearhead clinical research addressing disparities through NCORP. In 2019, Baptist Cancer Center was awarded a second $9 million research grant under NCORP to build a 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.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

·         Physicians

·         Cancer survivors

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These physicians will provide expanded access to Baptist Cancer Center’s hematologists and medical oncologists throughout the Memphis metropolitan area.

"We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Muir, John and Von Buttlar to Baptist Cancer Center," said Parker Harris, Baptist Cancer Center CEO and administrator. “Their expertise and dedication to patient care will enhance our ability to provide comprehensive cancer and blood disorder treatment to patients throughout the region.”

Muir has more than three decades of specialized experience in hematology and oncology. He completed his medical degree at the University of Mississippi and his internal medicine residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Medical Center and his hematology/oncology fellowship at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology and the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Muir will practice at Baptist Cancer Center’s Memphis and Collierville locations.

John completed her hematology and oncology fellowships and her internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from T.D. Medical College in India and is board certified in both internal medicine and hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. John will practice at Baptist Cancer Center’s Memphis and Southaven locations.

Von Buttlar completed her hematology and medical oncology fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and completed her internal medicine residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. She is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Von Buttlar will practice at Baptist Cancer Center’s Memphis and Bartlett locations.

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 its second $9 million research grant under NCORP to continue to build its clinical trial 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, visit baptistcancercenter.com or follow us on Facebook at @baptistcancercenter.

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Urinary incontinence is common following prostate removal, with two-thirds of men reporting ongoing issues at six months, and nearly one-third are still affected a year after surgery.

“Post-operative incontinence is one of the most difficult challenges patients face after prostate surgery,” said Dr. Patrick Daily, urologist with Mississippi Urology Clinic and Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. “We are excited to participate in a study exploring a promising solution for post-surgical incontinence in men.”

Principal investigators for the local study are Daily and Dr. Jason Blalock, also a urologist with Mississippi Urology Clinic and MBMC. ARID II will enroll 266 participants across 30 centers. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive the investigational device or not and are followed for up to two years to assess safety and efficacy.

For more information on the ARID II study, visit https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, named the No. 1 hospital in Mississippi seven years in a row by U.S. News & World Report, is one of the most decorated hospitals in Mississippi. MBMC has 638 licensed beds and is home to Baptist Cancer Center, a six-level tower housing the Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women, which is Baby-Friendly USA accredited. The hospital has received numerous awards and recognition for its excellent care, including multiple recognitions from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology in 2025 and 15 High Performing Hospital designations from U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. MBMC signed a shared mission agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care in May 2017, making Baptist Memorial one of Mississippi’s largest employers and the largest health care system in the state. For more information, visit baptistonline.org/mbmc or follow us on www.facebook.com/mississippibaptistmedicalcenter.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 1, 2025–Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon, chief scientist for Baptist Memorial Health Care and director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program and the Thoracic Oncology Research Group for Baptist Cancer Center, recently became the first executive officer for community site engagement with SWOG Cancer Research Network.

This new role will help increase clinician engagement with SWOG and SWOG trials at community practice sites, as well as ensure community-based investigators can participate in all stages of study development and execution. Most people treated for cancer in the United States are seen in community-based sites and enrolled by community practice providers.

“I am thrilled to take on this inaugural role with SWOG to advance cancer care and help save cancer patients’ lives,” said Osarogiagbon. “We know clinical trials and research save lives, which is why they are integral to treatment provided at Baptist Cancer Center. Community site engagement will become even more critical as SWOG evolves to expand remote care and conduct more decentralized trials.”

Osarogiagbon is a globally recognized lung cancer specialist who spearheads Baptist Cancer Center’s Mid-South Miracle initiative, a multifaceted program comprising seven components to help reduce lung cancer deaths by at least 25% by 2030 in the Mid-South. A community oncologist, Osarogiagbon serves as principal investigator for the Baptist Memorial Health Care/Mid-South Minority Underserved National Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) and is past chair of the Hope Foundation for Cancer Research. He was named to the National Cancer Institute’s Board of Scientific Advisors, and his work has been published in numerous journals, including JAMA, the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. As a member of the SWOG lung and cancer care delivery committees, he has served as a leader of the SWOG NCORP site principal investigator sessions at group meetings.

SWOG Cancer Research Network is a global cancer research community that designs and conducts publicly funded clinical trials. SWOG was formed in 1956 and has saved more than 3 million years of life by testing new treatments, new prevention strategies and new ways to care for those who survive cancer.  

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service 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. 

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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.

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. 

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 7, 2024 – Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon, chief scientist for Baptist Memorial Health Care and director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program and the Thoracic Oncology Research Group at Baptist Cancer Center, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

FASCO recognizes ASCO members for their extraordinary volunteer service, significant contributions to the specialty of oncology and extraordinary dedication to improving outcomes for cancer patients. Osarogiagbon was one of 50 members worldwide to earn the FASCO designation in 2024.

“I am delighted to be honored as a fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology,” said Dr. Osarogiagbon. “To work alongside other scientists and physicians through organizations, such as ASCO, to collectively advance cancer science and precision oncology to benefit patients is a true privilege. This honor is also a testament to the impressive outcomes of the Mid-South Miracle and the other innovative work we’re doing at Baptist.”

Osarogiagbon has been a member of ASCO since 2002. His roles with ASCO have included serving as chair of the ASCO Research Committee from 2023–24 and chair of the 2024 ASCO Quality Symposium. In addition to ASCO, Osarogiagbon has served in leadership positions for several other national and international professional organizations, including the Fleischner Society, National Lung Cancer Roundtable, National Cancer Institute’s board of scientific advisors and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Staging and Prognostic Factors Group chair-elect. He has also served as board chair of the Hope Foundation for Cancer Research.

At Baptist, Dr. Osarogiagbon spearheads the Mid-South Miracle, a multifaceted initiative comprising seven components to reduce lung cancer deaths in the Mid-South 25% by 2030. A community oncologist, Osarogiagbon serves as primary investigator for the Baptist Memorial Health Care/Mid-South Minority Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program. He is also a research professor at Vanderbilt University.

The FASCO recognition, which originated in 2007 as the ASCO Statesman Award, has been conferred on 399 individuals up to 2023. Founded in 1964, ASCO has more than 45,000 active members­ — oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Once conferred, the FASCO recognition is for life.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service 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 first adult myelosuppression unit and is one of only 45 National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program institutions, as well as one of 13 institutions distinguished as a site to spearhead clinical research on disparities through NCORP. In 2019, Baptist Cancer Center was awarded a second $9 million research grant under NCORP to build a 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.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 17, 2024 – Research from Memphis-based Baptist Cancer Center on the inequity of biomarker testing for lung cancer patients has been published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Biomarker testing determines the presence of a particular protein or gene mutation in a person’s lung cancer. It is a vital early step in matching a patient to the right treatment at the right time.

“Baptist Cancer Center research has identified the need to advocate for standardized processes to ensure all patients benefit from advancements in biomarker-directed therapies,” said Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon, chief scientist at Baptist Memorial Health Care and director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program and the Thoracic Oncology Research Group at Baptist Cancer Center. “Our research highlights the influence of institution and provider-level factors on biomarker testing rates, and we want this research to help us move toward equity in biomarker testing so optimal treatment options can be provided to all patients.”

Researchers with the Thoracic Oncology Research Group at Baptist Cancer Center and the University of Memphis School of Public Health examined the pattern of testing for the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene mutation and Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1), two specific biomarkers which identify patients who benefit from specific, life-saving additional treatments after surgery to cure lung cancer. These tests are now recommended as part of the standard of care, based on large clinical trials published in 2020 and 2021.

The researchers examined the prevalence of testing in the Mid-South Quality of Surgical Resection cohort, a National Cancer Institute-funded observational study involving patients who had surgery to cure lung cancer at 12 hospitals in the Mid-South from 2018 to 2022. Baptist Cancer Center and the University of Memphis School of Public Health have collaborated to study this cohort for the past decade.

“This project aligns with a global push to improve biomarker testing rates in individuals with lung cancer,” said Dr. Matthew Smeltzer, associate professor of epidemiology at The University of Memphis and member of the Thoracic Oncology Research Group. “Our work in the Mid-South is at the forefront of this effort to find equitable solutions to improve the quality of care for all patients.”

Testing was significantly less common in non-teaching hospitals, non-Commission on Cancer-accredited institutions and surgeries performed by cardiothoracic or general surgeons, as opposed to dedicated thoracic surgeons.

“The good news is testing rates are rising from 11% to 38% for EGFR and 8% to 20% for PD-L1, and there were no differences on the basis of patient characteristics, such as age, sex, race, smoking history or health insurance,” said Dr. Osarogiagbon. “The bad news? There were big differences in biomarker testing rates between institutions and providers.”

The Baptist Cancer Center study established institutions and providers, not patients, as prime targets for eliminating inequities in biomarker testing, and now Baptist Cancer Center is seeking to close the quality gap through program-based care, which will help to standardize practices for testing throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care.

The American Association for Cancer Research is the world's oldest and largest professional association related to cancer research. Based in Philadelphia, the AACR focuses on all aspects of cancer research, including basic, clinical and translational research into the etiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Founded in 1907 by 11 physicians and scientists, the organization now has more than 52,000 members in 130 countries and territories. The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication, collaboration, science policy and advocacy and funding for cancer research.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service 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. In addition, Baptist Cancer Center has the Mid-South's first adult myelosuppression unit, which provides specialized care for patients who have received chemotherapy that interferes with blood cell production or stops bone marrow activity. In 2014, Baptist Cancer Center was one of only 12 centers distinguished as a site to spearhead clinical research on disparities in cancer care under the National Cancer Center’s Community Oncology Research Program, known as NCORP. In 2019, Baptist Cancer Center was awarded a second $9 million research grant under NCORP to build out 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.

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“Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in the U.S., with the exception of skin cancer,” said Allison Bosse, administrator and chief executive officer of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital. “Detecting and treating breast cancer early saves lives. And Baptist is committed to helping women in our community access breast cancer screenings through our clinics and mobile mammography unit and by providing grant-funded mammograms for women who could not otherwise afford breast cancer screenings. It is our honor to provide these lifesaving services to the community, and we are grateful to the local organizations who join us in providing this vital service and honoring the incredible women in the midst of their breast cancer battle.”

Baptist’s events planned for October include the following:

·   Oct. 7: Baptist Women’s Health Center will offer mobile mammography screenings at Impact Baptist Church[KA1]  at 2025 Cilfton Avenue, Memphis, TN 38127 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Women can schedule appointments or apply for grant-funded mammography assistance prior to the event by calling 901-227-PINK or visiting baptistpink.org.

·   Oct. 19: Baptist Women’s Hospital will host “Painting With Purpose” [KA2] at Painting with a Twist in Germantown to celebrate National Mammography Day, which is typically held on the third Friday of October. Tickets range from $39 to $47, and half of the proceeds will support Baptist Women’s Health Center. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/germantown/event/3268180/.

·   Oct. 20–22: Kendra Scott will host a Kendra Gives Back event to help support mammograms for uninsured patients at Baptist Women’s Health Center. Twenty percent of proceeds raised during the event will be donated to Baptist Women’s Health Center.

·   Oct. 27: Baptist Women’s Health Center and Baptist Women’s Hospital will host Pink on Groove On [KA3]  at 50 Humphreys Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38120 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to honor breast cancer survivors. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite pink outfits to the event that includes a photo booth, giveaways, light refreshments, prizes for best attire and dances lead by Keep it Moving Cardio Line Dancers. To learn more or register, call 901-226-0826 or email Jennifer.coleman@bmhcc.org. The deadline to register is Oct. 25^th.

The cohort study, titled “Evaluation of Lung Cancer Risk Among Persons Undergoing Screening or Guideline-Concordant Monitoring of Lung Nodules in the Mississippi Delta,” compared the effectiveness of scheduled lung screenings against incidental diagnostic scans (taken during emergencies or other unrelated situations) in detecting cancer early. Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon, chief scientist for Baptist Memorial Health Care/director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program and the Thoracic Oncology Research Group for Baptist Cancer Center, was principal investigator of the study.

“This is exciting news for the lung cancer community,” said Dr. Osarogiagbon. “This study establishes the importance of both incidental scans and scheduled screenings in detecting cancer early. Typically, a large number of people with incidentally detected lung nodules would not qualify for lung cancer screening under current eligibility guidelines. With this new dual approach, we can save more lives. ”

This cohort study, in which participants share a common characteristic, was conducted from Jan. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2021, and included 6,684 participants in a low-dose computed tomography screening group and 12,645 participants in a lung nodule program. Those in the lung nodule program had significantly greater incidence of lung cancer diagnosis within two years. These findings suggest that lung nodule program participants, regardless of smoking history, had a substantial risk for lung cancer.

“One thing our research shows is that screening alone can only go so far in finding more lung cancers early, so it is important to have a complementary lung nodule program,” said Dr. Osarogiagbon. “Through this work, we are now primed to explore how artificial intelligence and biomarker research can improve the effectiveness of early lung cancer detection in Mid-South communities.”

The lung nodule program also provided access to early detection for a higher proportion of Black persons and those at greatest risk for lung cancer, such as the less educated, rural dwellers and the socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because people do not have symptoms until the disease is advanced. While it has been shown lung cancer screening saves lives, most people aren’t aware of the availability of lung cancer screening and many of the people who are at risk would not qualify for screening under current guidelines. However, guideline-concordant management of incidentally detected lung nodules would provide another route to early detection of lung cancer.

“We are so proud of our team of doctors, scientists and researchers for these leading-edge efforts to find new ways of diagnosing lung cancer early,” said Ann Bishop, system administrator of oncology for Baptist Cancer Center. “This research proves our methods are effective, and our efforts are unmatched in the fight against lung cancer and disparities.”

In 2021, Baptist Cancer Center announced a multifaceted initiative called the Mid-South Miracle aimed at reducing lung cancer deaths in the Mid-South 25% by 2030. The initiative comprises seven components that will address prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer through smoking cessation, low-dose CT screening, algorithmic management of incidentally detected lung nodules, multidisciplinary decision-making and care, high-quality surgical care, high-quality pathologic evaluation, including biomarker testing, and expanded access to innovative treatment through clinical trials.

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to Baptist Cancer Center in August 2020 to fund the incidental nodule research project.

To read the “Evaluation of Lung Cancer Risk Among Persons Undergoing Screening or Guideline-Concordant Monitoring of Lung Nodules in the Mississippi Delta” study in its entirety, please visit http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0787?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=022723.

JAMA, published continuously since 1883, is an international peer-reviewed general medical journal. JAMA is a member of the JAMA Network, a consortium of peer-reviewed, general medical and specialty publications. JAMA is the most widely circulated general medical journal in the world, with more than 290,000 recipients of the print journal, more than 1.6 million recipients of electronic tables of contents and alerts, and over 34 million annual visits to the journal's website. JAMA's reach includes a growing social media presence and vast international news media exposure. JAMA's acceptance rate is 11% of the more than 9,400 annual submissions and 4% of the more than 5,200 research manuscripts received.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. The center takes an interdisciplinary approach to patient care and offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer. In addition, BCC has the Mid-South's first adult myelosuppression unit, which provides specialized care for patients who have received chemotherapy that interferes with blood cell production or stops bone marrow activity. In 2019, BCC was awarded a second $9 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue building its clinical research infrastructure to expand lifesaving, leading-edge treatment across the Mid-South, including overcoming disparities in cancer care under the Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program, known as NCORP. For more information, please visit baptistcancercenter.com or follow us on Facebook.

The board of scientific advisors provides advice on scientific program policy and progress, extramural program initiatives and the future direction of NCI's extramural research programs.

“I am honored to be appointed to NCI’s board of advisors,” said Dr. Osarogiagbon. “This is a testament to the innovative and lifesaving work we’re doing at Baptist and in the Mid-South.”

Dr. Osarogiagbon spearheads Baptist Cancer Center’s Mid-South Miracle initiative, a multifaceted program comprising seven components, to help reduce lung cancer deaths 25% by 2030 in the Mid-South. A community oncologist, Osarogiagbon serves as principal investigator for the Baptist Memorial Health Care/Mid-South Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) and is chair of the board of the Hope Foundation for Cancer Research.

The National Cancer Institute is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training. NCI leads, conducts and supports cancer research across the nation to advance scientific knowledge and help people live longer, healthier lives. As the leader of the cancer research enterprise, collectively known as the National Cancer Program, and the largest funder of cancer research in the world, NCI manages a broad range of research, training, and information dissemination activities that reach across the entire country, meeting the needs of all demographics—rich and poor, urban and rural, and all racial/ethnic populations. Specifically, NCI focuses on two broad roles: cancer research and training and support for cancer researchers.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. The center takes an interdisciplinary approach to patient care and offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer. In addition, BCC has the Mid-South's first adult myelosuppression unit, which provides specialized care for patients who have received chemotherapy that interferes with blood cell production or stops bone marrow activity. In 2019, BCC was awarded a second $9 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue building out clinical research infrastructure to expand lifesaving, leading-edge treatment across the Mid-South, including overcoming disparities in cancer care under the Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program, known as NCORP. BCC recently announced a multifaceted initiative called the Mid-South Miracle 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.

The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. CoC promotes cancer prevention, research, education and monitoring of comprehensive quality care. Commission on Cancer-accredited programs undergo an on-site visit to review documentation for compliance with CoC’s standards on a triennial basis.

“We are thrilled to be granted the elite Integrated Network Accreditation by the American College of Surgeons,” said Ann Bishop, system administrator of Baptist Cancer Center. “This accreditation takes years of programmatic development, physician and administrative leadership and impeccable patient-centered care. This award demonstrates exceptional cancer care is provided at all of our locations across Baptist.”

The Commission on Cancer accreditation program provides the framework for Baptist Cancer Center to improve quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs that focus on the full spectrum of cancer care, including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care. When patients receive care at a Baptist Cancer Center facility, they also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling and patient-centered services, including psychosocial support, a patient navigation process and a survivorship care plan that seeks to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.

Baptist Cancer Center maintains a cancer registry and contributes data to the National Cancer Database, a joint program of the Commission on Cancer and the American Cancer Society. This nationwide oncology outcomes database is the largest clinical disease registry in the world.

The Commission on Cancer was established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. To earn voluntary Commission on Cancer accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. For more information, visit www.facs.org/cancer.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. The center takes an interdisciplinary approach to patient care and offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer. In addition, Baptist Cancer Center has the Mid-South's first adult myelosuppression unit, which provides specialized care for patients who have received chemotherapy that interferes with blood cell production or stops bone marrow activity. In 2019, Baptist Cancer Center was awarded a second $9 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue building out its clinical research infrastructure to expand lifesaving, leading-edge treatment across the Mid-South, including overcoming disparities in cancer care under the Minority-Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program, known as NCORP. In 2021, Baptist Cancer Center launched a multifaceted initiative called the Mid-South Miracle 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.

“Baptist Cancer Center is grateful to Willy Bearden and the many other local artists for allowing us to feature their work in this special exhibit for our Southaven location,” said Tabitha Smith, director of outpatient oncology services, Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto. “We wanted to fill this center with imagery that could help comfort and soothe patients during treatment, and we believe the artwork selected can be therapeutic for cancer patients.”

The reception for Bearden’s exhibit, “New Works,” is free and open to the public. After March 31, Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto will feature a new Mississippi artist every two months.

“In waiting rooms, people often scroll through social media on their phones, bring a book or a magazine or anxiously wait with their minds racing,” said Willy Bearden, local artist and Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto patient. “By displaying my art, I wanted to offer the kinds of images that transport the viewer and engage their minds, bringing respite and joy during troubling times. The fact that I’m also a patient of the center felt like this opportunity was meant to be.”

Southaven resident Willy Bearden is a photographer and award-winning writer and filmmaker, known for the Memphis Memoirs documentary series on WKNO-TV. A native of Rolling Fork, Bearden’s body of work depicts many scenes of the Delta as well as studies of objects of all kinds. Bearden chose the approximately 30 pieces for this exhibit specifically to bring life, vibrancy and joy to the waiting areas of the cancer center.

Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation has tapped Ken Hall, volunteer with Baptist’s Art of Caring events, as curator for the rotating art space. Hall moved to DeSoto County more than two years ago to help care for his father who was a patient at Baptist Cancer Center until his passing in the fall of 2022. Hall has produced many pop-up art shows in Memphis over the past decade and serves as arts columnist for 4Memphis Magazine.

Located in Southaven, Mississippi, on the campus of Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto provides comprehensive cancer diagnosis, treatment and therapies in a single location so patients can get world-class cancer care close to home. Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto offers leading-edge technology, advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments and access to clinical trials to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, lung, brain, pancreatic, colorectal, liver, melanoma and more. For information, call 662-349-2442 or visit https://www.baptistcancercenter.com/locations/baptist-cancer-center-desoto.

The new coronavirus disease, called COVID-19, is concerning for many people, especially patients with compromised immune systems and their families. Patients who are immunocompromised have a reduced ability to fight infections because their immune systems are often weakened by a health condition, such as cancer, diabetes or an inherited disease. It is important that immunocompromised patients and their families take precautions to lower their risk for COVID-19. We sat down with Dr. Muhammad Raza, a Baptist Medical Group physician who specializes in hematology and oncology, to discuss what cancer patients and people with weakened immune systems can do to prevent getting sick.

Q: What should immunocompromised people know about coronavirus?

A: This coronavirus is a novel, or new, virus. Our scientific information about the virus is limited right now. However, we know from other countries, including China and Italy, that it is highly contagious. Immunocompromised people, older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions — such as heart or lung disease or cancer, seem to be at a higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. While healthy people may only display mild symptoms when infected, immunocompromised and cancer patients get a serious or aggressive form of this disease. The survival rate is lower in these patients.

Q: What should they do to protect themselves?

A: Follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your local health department. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus, which is thought to spread by person-to-person contact and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Protect yourself by avoiding contact with other people. Everyone should follow social distancing guidelines, especially cancer patients and people with weakened immune systems. Additionally, wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap and water available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Q: What places should they avoid?

A: Avoid public places, such as grocery stores, restaurants, libraries, public transportation and other crowded spaces. This guideline is true for everyone, but it is extra true for immunocompromised patients. Cancer patients and people who have weak immune systems should stay home too.

Q: What should their family and friends do?

A: Family and friends should follow the same precautions, including observing strict handwashing measures, practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible. Early studies show people can transfer this virus in the first five days of infection before they even know they have the virus. A family member could be a carrier for this virus and transmit it to an immunocompromised person without knowing it. That is why it is extremely important for family and friends to take precautions so as not to expose themselves and others who are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19.

Q: Where can people find out more information?

A: Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, people can visit Baptist’s Coronavirus Resource Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or their local health department website for the most up-to-date information. I cannot emphasize it enough — wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and avoid social gatherings and nonessential travel. Visit our Coronavirus Resource Center to learn more about COVID-19 and get Mid-South coronavirus updates and resources. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

An incidental screening program helps Baptist Memorial Health Care doctors take aim at abdominal cancer. Abdominal cancers affect multiple organs in the body, including the liver, pancreas and stomach. According to The Ohio State University, doctors diagnose more than 250,000 cases of abdominal cancer annually in the United States. Baptist’s Abdominal Nodule Screening Program is unique to the region and is a partnership between MidSouth Imaging, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis and Baptist Cancer Center. Launched in 2017, the program is designed to identify and treat abdominal cancers by leveraging leading-edge software to optimize the collaboration between radiologists and surgeons.

Detecting Cancer and Acting Fast

When Memphis resident Carolyn Dickson visited her primary care physician earlier this year, she received news no one wants to hear. “We found cancer when we weren’t looking for it,” said Dickson. “I didn’t have cancer symptoms. It’s very scary to hear the words, ‘You have cancer.’” Dickson, a lifelong Memphis resident, works for the Internal Revenue Service. She has three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. While longevity runs in her family, so does cancer. “I care for my mom, who just turned 100 years old,” said Dickson. “I have aunts and uncles who are in their 90s. My cancer diagnosis at age 69 really threw me for a loop.” When her doctor ordered a CT scan, the radiologist noticed a nodule on Dickson’s liver. As part of the screening program, radiologists add specific language to their dictation report using Baptist’s electronic health records system. The software flags such words as “nodule,” “lesion” and “suspicious” to ensure doctors analyze the images right away. Doctors studied the image of Dickson’s liver and ordered a biopsy, which revealed she had stage 4 cancer that had metastasized from her colon. “She was completely unaware she had cancer,” said Dr. Stephen Behrman, surgical oncologist at Baptist Cancer Center. “Thanks to this program, we caught it. We got her into surgery right away and removed her colon cancer and part of her liver. If we didn't have this program in place, I suspect her treatment would have been delayed significantly.” Today, Dickson is recovering at home and receiving chemotherapy. “I’m extremely blessed,” said Dickson. “I’m doing well. I was in the hospital for eight days. I saw my team of doctors every day — oncologists, surgeons, everyone. They all came by and checked on me. You don’t get that level of care everywhere. I’m so grateful to this remarkable team of doctors who not only found the cancer but also took immediate steps to prolong my life.”

A New Process With Life-Changing Results

So far, the program has helped radiologists and surgeons find two cancers in 2019. In 2018, Baptist’s doctors screened 257 patients, found 34 abnormalities and diagnosed 15 cancers. Behrman works closely with Dr. Ahmad Bashar Abdulkarim, a liver surgeon with Baptist Medical Group. They also monitor 30–40 patients in the electronic system on a regular basis. “Dr. Abdulkarim and I follow patients with other liver and pancreas abnormalities,” said Behrman. “We don't need to immediately operate on these patients, but we follow them closely because they may need surgery in the future.” Pancreas, liver and stomach cancers are often called silent cancers. Many patients don’t experience symptoms until their cancer reaches an advanced stage. The program is designed to analyze data from patients who receive a CT scan at any Baptist Memorial Hospital. [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="3566,3564,3563"] “If you visit the emergency department with a broken rib after a car accident, you’ll receive a CT scan,” said Behrman. “If the scan shows lesions on your stomach — that’s a red flag. The car accident didn’t cause the lesions. While we need to address your broken rib right away, we also want to ensure we don’t overlook your stomach lesions.” The program has been a gratifying experience for Behrman and his colleagues.  “The screening program and its software help our team move quickly,” said Behrman. “Our gastrointestinal multidisciplinary clinic includes surgical, medical and radiation oncologists; genetic counselors; social workers; nutritionists; surgeons; radiologists; and pathologists. We meet once a week to ensure all our patients have rapidly developed treatment plans.” For patients like Dickson, treatment is a critical first step on a long journey. “I’ll receive six months of chemotherapy,” said Dickson. “At the end, I hope I’ll be cancer free. I already feel like Dr. Behrman and Dr. Abdulkarim saved my life. The work they do is phenomenal. The program Baptist made is remarkable. I truly believe they’ve been put here to save lives.” 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"]

Three years ago, pharmacist Alexander Quesenberry didn’t have a means for patients to donate or receive unused chemotherapy. Today, thanks to a new state law, Quesenberry can request donated medicine from Good Shepherd Pharmacy, a Memphis nonprofit that provides donated medicines to those who cannot afford prescription medication. “Oral chemotherapy treatments can cost $30,000 or more a month,” said Quesenberry, pharmacy director for the Baptist Cancer Center. “The idea behind donated medications is twofold — they help people in the Mid-South give back and they can save or extend lives.”

A Groundbreaking New Program

In October 2018, Tennessee became one of the first states in the country to establish donation programs for unused prescriptions from individuals. Phil Baker, founder and CEO of Good Shepherd Pharmacy, was instrumental in crafting the new law. Good Shepherd now accepts oral chemotherapy medication and anti-rejection medication for organ transplant patients. “Many of the donations are focused on high-cost oral chemotherapies,” said Quesenberry. “Cancer treatment is becoming more oral-therapy based. Yet, as oral therapies continue to become more accessible and easier for patients to take, the side effects remain significant.” Some patients cannot tolerate a given dose of oral chemotherapy and need to transition down to a lower dose to reduce their side effects. ”If their dose changes, patients are left with excess pills they can't take,” said Quesenberry. “In other cases, the cancer may progress, or patients may pass away, and families don’t want to waste their loved one’s expensive medication. Donation programs offer a solution.”

Leftover, Unwanted or Expired Medications

Many unused chemotherapy pills remain tucked away in medicine cabinets—and a large amount of expired medication ends up in the trash. Medical professionals like Quesenberry advocate for safe medication disposal at participating pharmaceutical drop-off locations. “Expired chemotherapy medications should not be thrown away with your household trash,” said Quesenberry. “It’s still considered hazardous and should be disposed of properly. If you have oral chemotherapy pills that are unopened and not expired, consider donating them.” As awareness around the donation program grows, Quesenberry hopes it will help reduce waste and provide a safe pathway for patients to obtain much-needed prescription medications. Individuals who want to donate or join the medication wait list can visit Remedichain.com. “The next step is to increase our amount of donated medications,” said Quesenberry. “It's an exciting program, and we're hopeful that it grows and benefits many people. Fortunately, there are few patients who don't have access to prescriptions. This gives them that opportunity.” The Good Shepherd Pharmacy has received $1,500,000 in donated medications and has distributed about $100,000 of these medicines since starting the dispensing program a couple of months ago. Learn about cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment at the Baptist Cancer Center. Find a doctor by visiting our Find a Doctor page.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 man in 9 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. To help lessen painful side effects from prostate cancer treatment, the FDA recently approved SpaceOAR hydrogel, a new option for patients receiving radiation therapy.

Prostate Cancer Treatments

Prostate cancer treatment typically depends on the patient. The most common prostate cancer treatments include surgery, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, vaccine treatments or radiation therapy. The American Cancer Society reports treatments for prostate cancer are generally used one at a time, although in some cases they may be combined. Radical prostatectomy, or surgical removal of the prostate gland, and prostate radiotherapy, or the use of high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, have been shown to be the two most successful treatments for low- and intermediate-grade prostate cancer. “Radiation therapy is a common treatment option,” said Dr. Omar Ghandour, the medical director of radiation oncology at Baptist Cancer Center-DeSoto. “It works by damaging the cancer cells’ DNA, so the targeted cells die without growing or replicating themselves. It also exposes nearby regions to radiation, which may lead to side effects.” 

Side Effects of Prostate Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy effectively kills localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. Because the rectum and bladder sit next to the prostate, patients may experience bladder and rectal injuries.  “The rectum receives high radiation doses as the prostate cancer is treated,” said Ghandour. “When used before radiation, SpaceOAR hydrogel can reduce the risk of these side effects during and after radiotherapy.” High-radiation doses to the rectum may cause additional side effects, such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, mucus discharge, rectal pain or rectal urgency. For many men, radiation therapy side effects are temporary. In some cases, however, symptoms persist for years and surgery is needed to improve bowel function.

How SpaceOAR Hydrogel Works

To reduce the risk of common radiation side effects, doctors can now use SpaceOAR hydrogel to protect areas from unnecessary exposure to radiotherapy. According to Ghandour, SpaceOAR hydrogel is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed using local or general anesthesia. Once injected into place, the gel pushes the rectum away from the region receiving radiation and acts as a protective spacer between the prostate and the rectum. “The gel stays in place for approximately 3 months and is then naturally absorbed and cleared in the urine in about 6 months,” said Ghandour. In a clinical trial, prostate cancer patients with SpaceOAR hydrogel experienced a significant decline in bowel, urinary and sexual side effects for up to 3 years after radiation therapy. Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is the first hospital in North Mississippi and the Memphis metropolitan area to use SpaceOAR hydrogel to help treat prostate cancer patients. Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi also offers SpaceOAR treatments for prostate cancer. Learn more about cancer care services at Baptist, or find a doctor by visiting our Find a Physician page. Explore the SpaceOAR hydrogel website for more information about the treatment.

Breast Cancer Disparities

Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities Through Komen Funding 

How the Komen Community Grant Helps Underinsured Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Who should be screened and why?

What are colon cancer symptoms?

How do you prevent colon cancer?

A Region Touched by Lung Cancer

Baptist Champions Survivorship

1. Exposing the cancer to air makes it spread.
2. Lung cancer cannot be cured.
3. All doctors know how to provide good care for lung cancer.
4. Once lung cancer is diagnosed, it is too late to quit smoking.
5. If you don’t have symptoms, such as pain, cough or shortness of breath, you can’t have lung cancer.

• Oral cancer is diagnosed in approximately 50,000 people in the United States.
• It is twice as common in men as it is in women.
• The average age of diagnosis is 62.
• It is estimated that 10,000 deaths each year are caused by oral cancer.
• The survival rate depends on the stage of cancer at diagnosis:
  • 5-year survival for patients diagnosed with early, Stage I disease is 83%.
  • More advanced cases have poorer survival, with the average rate around 60%

• It is estimated that 85% of oral cancer is linked to tobacco use in any form, including smoking, chewing, snuff, and especially pipe smoking.
• Heavy use of alcohol
• Prolonged and excessive sun exposure
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Age and gender
• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Conditions that weaken the immune system

• “Oral cancer is rare and uncommon.”
• “My mouth doesn’t hurt, so I am oral cancer free.”
• There is no screening for oral cancer.”

• Change in bowel habits (thin stools, constipation, straining and abdominal cramps when having a bowel movement)
• Blood in stool; bright red or a dark, tarry looking stool
• Iron deficiency anemia

Gallbladder Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

• Abdominal pain, especially after a meal
• Bloating
• Itchiness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Yellowed skin and eyes

• Eliminating tobacco use
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Breastfeeding
• Limiting the amount of hormone therapy
• Reducing your stress levels

• T: the size of the area of cancer
• N: notes whether and how much the cancer has spread to lymph nodes
• M: how far throughout the rest of the body the cancer has spread

• Available studies
• Descriptions of each study
• Criteria to participate
• Contact information

• How much your deductible is
• What out of pocket expenses are included in your deductible
• What co-pays you’ll be expected to pay at various appointments
• How much your out of pocket maximum is
• What dates your insurance covers
• How your prescription plan works and what it covers
• Special services offered by your insurance company to help with needs you might have

• Weight gain
• Slowed heartbeat
• Slowed reflexes
• Depression
• Memory issues
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Puffy or dry skin

• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Quickened heartbeat
• Diarrhea

1. Hold the mirror in your hand and take a close look at the front of your neck. Your thyroid gland is located between the collarbone and the larynx.
2. Tip your head back while still keeping your eye on this area of your neck.
3. Swallow a drink of water.
4. Look at your neck closely while you are swallowing to identify anything unusual in the area, like a bump or protrusion.
5. Repeat the process several times for the most accurate examination.
6. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, speak with your doctor to get your thyroid checked.

• Exposure to chemicals like asbestos, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, nickel, and uranium
• Air pollution
• Exposure to radon gas
• Personal history of lung disease
• Family history of lung cancer
• Previous cancer diagnosis related to smoking
• Previous treatment for cancer
• Reduced immunity

• Chronic cough that continues to get worse
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chronic chest pain
• Recurrent lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Coughing up blood
• Blood clots
• Pain or fractures in the bone

• Tissue biopsy
• Blood test
• CT scan
• MRI
• Spinal tap
• PET scan
• X-Ray
• MUGA scan

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Bone marrow transplants
• Biologic therapy

• History of colon cancer or polyps personally or in your family
• Being older than 50 years of age
• African American heritage
• Chronic colon disease like Crohn’s
• Genetic syndromes
• A diet that is high in fat and low in fiber
• Diabetes
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Obesity
• Previous use of radiation therapy to treat cancer

• Cancer-related fatigue and decreased endurance
• Difficulty balancing, loss of flexibility, difficulty walking
• Radiation fibrosis
• Overall pain
• Muscle weakness or joint stiffness
• Changes in posture
• Scar tissue bonds

• Difficulty dressing, grooming, or bathing yourself
• Limited range of motion
• Weakness in your arm or hand
• Limited fine motor skills
• General pain
• Occurrence of fatigue during daily activities

• Problem solving
• Short attention span
• Memory loss
• Swallowing
• Weakness in facial muscles
• Changes in speaking voice

• Rings, bracelets, shirt sleeves, or pant legs feeling tight
• Heaviness in the arms or legs
• Feeling of pooling fluid or thickness under the arm
• A swelling sensation in the throat

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Targeted therapy

• Family history of testicular cancer
• Personal history of testicular cancer
• An undescended testicle

1. Keep your penis out of the way and examine one testicle at a time.
2. Use your thumbs and fingers on both hands to hold the testicle. Then, gently roll it between your fingers.
3. Look out for any hard lumps or smooth, rounded bumps. Also, keep an eye on any changes in the shape, consistency, and size of your testicles.