Baptist Health Paducah offers specialized care for women at high risk of breast cancer

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) — Baptist Health Paducah is helping women at increased risk of breast cancer take a proactive approach to prevention and early detection through its High-Risk Breast Clinic.

The clinic provides individualized risk assessments, screening plans and preventive care options for women who may be more likely to develop breast cancer.

“When it comes to breast cancer, we can actually be proactive,” said Dr. Kristen Williams, a general surgeon at Baptist Health Medical Group High-Risk Breast Clinic. “Women who are high risk have options to lower that risk and screen more often and with different testing to catch an early stage, curable breast cancer.”

For Cara Lovell, the importance of routine screenings became clear when a mammogram detected a tumor near her chest wall.

Lovell said the tumor was positioned so close to her chest wall that she would not have discovered it through a breast self-exam. Additional imaging and a biopsy confirmed she had stage 1 breast cancer.

“Do not put this off!” Lovell said. “I had been getting yearly mammograms since I was 40. My breasts are very dense, which can make it more difficult to see everything. However, with the technology we have today, things can be caught very early. We have to take care of ourselves!”

Following her diagnosis, Lovell chose to undergo a lumpectomy. She later began medication and completed 15 radiation treatments in June.

She now receives ongoing care through the High-Risk Breast Clinic, where she undergoes screenings every six months, alternating between mammograms and breast MRIs.

Her first mammogram following treatment showed no signs of cancer.

“I am part of the high-risk breast clinic. The experience has been very positive. It is comforting to know that someone is watching my care so closely,” Lovell said.

Baptist Health Paducah’s High-Risk Breast Clinic develops screening and prevention plans based on each patient’s personal risk factors.

Depending on individual needs, patients may qualify for additional screenings, including mammograms and breast MRIs.

The clinic also offers preventive strategies such as lifestyle changes, medications and preventive surgery.

Genetic testing is available through assessments of personal and family medical histories. Women identified as high risk may meet with a genetic counselor to review their results and discuss appropriate next steps.

Lovell encourages women to prioritize their health and stay current with recommended breast cancer screenings.

“As women, we are not always the best at taking care of ourselves. We have to take ownership of our health, and it starts with routine mammograms,” Lovell said. “The staff at the Baptist Imaging Center will make you feel comfortable and take great care of you.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Baptist Health Paducah’s High-Risk Breast Clinic, call *70-538-9555.