Posted: 10/2/2017
Shalundria Bell of Lancaster was just 30 years old when she discovered a lump in her breast and sought treatment at the Parkland Breast Center, where she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2014. With two young daughters aged 3 and 9, Bell was determined to beat cancer. Through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy she remained positive, determined to set an example for her girls.
“If one day they go through something similar to this, I had to show them that they could do it,” she said.
Despite breakthroughs in treatments, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women have a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society reports that death rates from breast cancer dropped from 1989 to 2007 and have been steady in women younger than 50, but have continued to decrease in older women. Experts believe the decline in death rates to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening mammograms and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.
Now cancer free, Bell is grateful for the medical care she received at Parkland that saved her life. “The staff at Parkland always told me the cancer was curable and did everything they could to help me live, to be here to raise my girls.”
Valerie Blake, 56, of Mesquite also credits Parkland’s Breast Center staff with keeping her positive and determined during her breast cancer journey. Valerie discovered a small lump in her breast in February 2015 but delayed getting it checked until it had grown from pea- to quarter-size, she said. A mammogram at Parkland’s Breast Center led to a biopsy and diagnosis of breast cancer. Chemotherapy, lumpectomy and radiation treatments followed.
However, not all cancers give early warning signs, physicians say.
“Many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why a regular mammogram and breast cancer screening exam is so important,” said Phil Evans, MD, staff radiologist and former Medical Director of the Parkland Breast Center and Clinical Professor of Radiology and Division Chief of Breast Imaging, UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Women should consult with their primary care physician to assess their family history and determine the best screening schedule for them.”
Now cancer-free and “healthier than I’ve ever been,” Blake says she makes sure her grown daughters, family and friends get regular mammograms. And she’s changed her eating habits to cut out fried foods, eat more green vegetables, “especially kale,” quit smoking and gets regular exercise. “I’m on top of the world now,” she said.
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women and the second most common cause of death from cancer among Caucasian, African American, Asian/Pacific and American Indian/Alaska Native women. Early detection of the disease remains the key to saving lives.
Each October, Parkland Health & Hospital System joins with other organizations nationwide to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourage all women to learn more about the importance of early detection and treatment of the disease.
This month, Parkland is offering screening mammograms at no cost to those who register and are eligible at a variety of locations in Dallas County. For more information and to register for a mammogram, call 214-266-4398.
In addition, Parkland will host the “Come Together for the Cure” breast cancer awareness luncheon in conjunction with Susan G. Komen Dallas County from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28 at Light of the World Church of Christ, 7408 S. Hampton Rd., Dallas 75232.
The event includes breast cancer screenings and workshops with breast cancer experts. Workshops begin at 8 a.m. and will provide education on nutrition to help prevent breast cancer, self-evaluation, genetics and more. Lunch will be served. The event is free to those who register by calling Vickie Henry, Parkland Community Development Specialist, at 214-266-4398. Screening mammograms will be provided courtesy of funding through Komen Dallas County at no cost to those who qualify. To register for a screening mammogram, call Lisa Padilla, Parkland Community Development Specialist, at 214-266-0514.
To learn more about services at Parkland, visit www.parklandhospital.com.