An important piece of the breast cancer puzzle

A new era of care

When it comes to breast cancer, your first instinct can be to focus on the most common methods of treatment including chemotherapy and radiation, but Baptist Health Paducah has ensured they didn’t leave out a key piece of the puzzle: breast imaging. 

Breast imaging is an integral part of breast cancer management, and plays a pivotal role in early detection, intervention and individualized treatment plans. 

“In the last decade, there have been vast improvements in the field of breast imaging,” said Mindy Cartwright, breast imaging navigator. “Fortunately, Baptist Health Paducah ensures that we are armed with the technology and equipment that we need to enhance patient comfort, facilitate detection of abnormal tissue and combine modality approaches to best meet the needs of each individual patient.”

Recent updates have allowed for all offered breast imaging services to be in one location at the Baptist Health Imaging Center. The new facility offers convenient parking and a private waiting area to assist patients in feeling as relaxed and comfortable as possible, especially during an exam that can cause increased anxiety. 

“Through the generosity of our community partners and their support of Baptist Health Foundation Paducah, we have been able to purchase a Trident Specimen Radiograph machine,” said Mindy. “This machine cuts down on the time that a patient is under anesthesia during a breast lumpectomy. Once the tissue is removed, it is able to be imaged right in the procedure room eliminating the need for specimen transportation, waiting for margin confirmation or costly scheduling delays. When it comes to breast biopsies, nothing is more important than being sure, and the equipment we have allows us to be certain.”

As Mindy reflects on her 21 years in healthcare, the highlight isn’t one specific thing, but rather her entire role that enables her to be a resource for patients as they begin walking a path riddled with uncertainty and fear. “Sometimes just knowing there is someone they can call if they have a question or concern provides a patient the comfort they need. For me, the relationships I develop with patients has been the highlight of my career. I know that I am helping others when they need it, and they know that I will always be in their corner supporting them on their path to healing.”

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has recognized Baptist Health Paducah as an ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center acknowledging the high level in all breast imaging modalities available at Baptist Health Imaging Center. Nationally accredited radiology services and two on-site radiologists give you fast feedback and same-day results enabling Baptist Health Paducah to give you convenient, accurate and timely results.