Survivors, Supporters and Science Unite for Event at Health First Breast Center at Gateway in Melbourne

Event Attendees visit the Health First Breast Center to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A rainy evening didn’t dampen spirits as community members explored life-saving technology and shared personal journeys.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Candice Hodge didn’t come to the Health First Breast Center for treatment this time. She came for the technology.

“My mom and I came together, and we are both breast cancer survivors, so this is of interest to us,” said the Satellite Beach woman, who is three years in remission. “I was really excited to see the updates and the technology, and I saw some familiar faces back there as well.”

Hodge, who said she had been previously treated at the Breast Center, and her mother were among the few dozen people who turned out for Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness, held Oct. 9 at the Health First Breast Center at Gateway in Melbourne.

The event was held in partnership with the Melbourne Regional Chamber, their Viera Regional Business Alliance (VRBA) and Women of Excellence. Despite rainy weather, visitors toured stations staffed by health care providers who explained the Breast Center’s technology and care. 

Small groups snaked through the Center, exploring a mammography unit, a nurse navigator’s office, ultrasound machine and breast biopsy procedure room. Breast Center staff guided visitors through this show-and-tell, which was more than a social outing. It was a chance to learn and give back. 

“Here in the United States, mammography is the first step for most women in terms of finding cancer,” explained Leslie McNabb, radiologist, as she walked a handful of visitors through digital mammography slides, dissecting what different elements of the slide mean. “And then we may call you back for additional views on the mammography and look for the ultrasound.” 

McNabb pulled up an example slide, demonstrating what cancer can look like via mammograms and ultrasounds. 

“Ultrasound and mammogram are like peas and carrots,” she explained to a small group that had gathered. “They go together.”

McNabb noted that AI is enhancing cancer detection, making systems more sophisticated and improving early diagnosis.

Breast surgeons Dr. Sharon Noori and Dr. Mustafa Amani were at the ready, fielding questions and explaining the treatment journey, including how patients meet with nurse navigators to plan their care and what genetic testing offers. (When asked about what percentage of breast cancers are due to family history, Dr. Noori said 5% to 10% of cancers detected show a genetic abnormality.)

Visitors also learned about breast biopsies, with staff explaining how the procedure is conducted, with the patient positioned on her stomach as the physician performs the biopsy.

Melissa Warnecke, radiology manager at the Breast Center, highlighted the importance of 3D mammography and shared that the Gateway facility sees up to 125 patients daily for mammograms. (Health First is offering a special to uninsured patients through the end of October – those who qualify pay only $100 for a screening mammogram and reading; it’s an additional $25 for a Tomosynthesis (3-D) screening.)

“It’s a busy time of year because of pink October, and everyone is trying to get in before their deductibles are up,” Warnecke said of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “We really like being able to educate the community.”

As the evening wrapped up, Anne Conroy-Baiter, President and CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber, spoke to the emotional impact of breast cancer.

“We all know how much this affects our lives,” Conroy-Baiter shared with the group. “To have a place like this in our community – where women feel safe and welcome and important – is essential.”

Clinton Hatcher, member of the VRBA and field manager at Community Credit Union, the event’s champion sponsor, said he left the visit with a deeper understanding of what women face with a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as the tools and technology depended on for treatment. 

“You’re actually stopping and learning,” Hatcher said, adding that the event felt personal to him. “I have two daughters, and I have a wife. So, being able to have some type of knowledge on what their future entails is big.”

Donations made at the event go directly toward supporting the Breast Center and its mission to care for those facing cancer.

Chris Kern, Vice President of Philanthropy at Health First, reflected on the Breast Center’s origins and continued community support. 

“Nine years ago, we opened this Center with the help of community, philanthropy,” Kern said. “That support continues to this day when we have support from the community…We love making sure you know the resources that are here.”

To learn more about the Health First Breast Center, visit hf.org/breasthealth or call 321. 728.6002. To schedule a screening mammogram and learn more about the October deal for uninsured patients, visit hf.org/schedule or call 321.434.6100.

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