Hawkins County Memorial Hospital offering onsite mammograms at first Boots, Bling and Breast Health event

ROGERSVILLE – Women are invited to Hawkins County Memorial Hospital for an event that offers mammograms in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Boots, Bling and Breast Health will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments, receive pink-themed giveaways and learn more about services offered at Hawkins County Memorial Hospital. Individuals interested in scheduling a mammogram are encouraged to reserve an appointment in advance through the online RSVP form. Participants should bring a valid driver's license and insurance card, if applicable. Those without insurance can also receive a mammogram and are encouraged to contact 1-833-8-BALLAD for information about available payment or financial assistance options. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. When breast cancer is detected and treated in the localized stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 99%, making regular mammograms a vital part of women's healthcare. Hawkins County Memorial Hospital received a new 3D mammogram machine in October 2024. The new equipment makes the process more comfortable for patients while giving doctors a clearer, more detailed view of the breast. 3D imaging can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, often before a patient notices a lump or other signs of breast cancer. Hawkins County imaging manager Darlene Lee decided to try out the new equipment for herself. She knew her facility was getting the new machine, so she put off her screening for a couple of months. When she got the results back, she was stunned – microcalcifications were found in her right breast, leading to a discovery of DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), an early form of breast cancer. "I did not think it would be me, but at 60 years old, here I was—one in eight," Lee said, noting a lack of family history of the disease. "Thankfully, early detection meant I received treatment within a matter of months and had the cancer removed before the holidays. Had I waited much longer, I might be telling a much different story. I recently had my follow-up scans, and I'm grateful to share that I'm cancer free." "We're proud to host an event that prioritizes the health of women in the Hawkins County community," said Sarah Trent-Pressley, patient care director of Hawkins County Memorial Hospital and Hancock County Hospital. "Our team was shaken by Darlene's story, and we are very grateful that she's on the road to recovery. We want to make sure others in our community have the same opportunity to prioritize their health." If you can't attend Boots, Bling and Breast Health and would like to schedule a mammogram at a different time or location, call 1-833-8-BALLAD or visit www.balladhealth.org/services/mammograms.