Photos: Free screenings offer chance to catch, halt cancer
Published on Monday, January 29, 2018
By: Cynthia Wall
University of Mississippi Medical Center faculty and staff from multiple departments worked together Saturday to offer free breast, cervical and skin cancer screenings for about 106 uninsured and underinsured women in the metro area. The College of American Pathologists Foundation provided a grant to cover some of the cost, and many UMMC staff volunteered their time for the CAP See, Test & Treat program.
UMMC Cancer Institute staff came from multiple departments, including pathology, nursing, gynecologic oncology, mammography, dermatology and others. Women with abnormal screenings were referred for followup and given a list of medical providers they could contact.
Tomeka Harps, whose cervical cancer was discovered at the 2017 screening, encouraged the women as they waited:
“Last year I was in your shoes. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. These men and women here, they will help you and your friends. I’m standing here today cancer free. Eight months I fought cancer….I know some of you are scared. Don’t be scared. This program can save your life.”
Tomeka Harps of Brandon, whose cancer was discovered at the 2017 See, Test and Treat event, offers encouragement to participants. "There's no need to worry at all." Wearing a T-shirt a friend of hers designed, she carries out its words with her ongoing campaign to get women to be screened.
Harps' cancer was discovered at last year's See, Test and Treat event. She is now cancer free.
Dr. Julie Wyatt, associate professor of dermatology, checks Patty McCoy of Edwards for possible skin cancer. Dermatologists worked with patients to answer their questions about multiple skin issues.
Dacia Breeden, a dietitian who works with cancer patients, and Adrianna Pitchford of Byram, a See, Test and Treat participant, taste test one of Breeden's smoothies. Breeden provided nutritional information and several recipes.
Cytotechnologist Sarah Short examines a patient sample.
Dr. Brooke Sims, right, discusses Pap test results with Brendor Bullock of Jackson, center, while Dr. Katie Tumminello, left, a resident, looks on. Bullock said someone called her about the program and Bullock made an appointment. She said she's priced insurance but "I can't afford it." Sims, a cytopathology fellow, delivered good news to Bullock.
Earnestine Scott of Jackson hugs Dr. Harpreet Talwar, assistant professor of radiology, after learning her mammogram showed no signs of cancer. Scott, a cancer survivor, said without insurance, she has been unable to have screenings for four or five years.
Cytotechnician Diane Catchings processes patient samples.