Breast cancer is the disease that women in the United States fear most.

It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women exceeded only by lung cancer. More than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Around 40,000 of those individuals lose their lives. While there is still no cure, the key to surviving breast cancer is early detection. If detection is delayed, breast cancer can spread to vital organs in the body and can become very difficult or even impossible to treat effectively. Often, there seems to be the misconception that detection, diagnosis and treatment options are only offered in larger cities.

This is definitely a misconception. Our community right here in the Miss-Lou is composed of a group of highly specialized physicians and state of the art healthcare facilities that are fully capable of screening for, diagnosing, treating and managing breast cancer. These highly specialized physicians and healthcare facilities have come together to form the Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance.

The Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance involves medical experts and institutions with access to the most advanced technology available, all dedicated to providing you, your family and your community with the best breast care services available right here at home.

Chances are that in your lifetime, you will know someone who will be affected by breast cancer; a mother, sister, loved one or a friend. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, patients can access the latest technology for breast health screening, diagnosis and treatment and never have to leave the community. From women who need an annual mammogram to others dealing with a diagnosis of cancer, the Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance offers a network of specialists and institutions to provide the highest quality care.

Riverpark Imaging Center provides state-of-the-art digital mammography that is faster, easier, and more comfortable than ever before, accompanied by breast ultrasound imaging providing highly detailed images.

Riverpark Ambulatory Surgery Center provides a convenient, comfortable and supportive atmosphere with personal attention when an outpatient breast biopsy is indicated.

Dr. Geoffrey Flattmann is a well-known and respected board certified general surgeon in our community who is highly trained in outpatient breast biopsy surgery and more involved inpatient breast surgeries. If major breast surgery is needed, it can be provided in a supportive and caring atmosphere in the inpatient surgical suites of Natchez Community Hospital followed by inpatient physical therapy services to aid the patient to a speedy recovery. In addition, Dr. Jack Rodriguez, board certified medical oncologist offers services specializing in chemo-therapy treatment for the patient who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Roderick Givens, radiation oncologist and Cancer Care and Diagnostic Center provide the state of the art radiation treatment for patients in the Miss-Lou region.

All of these specialized physicians and healthcare facilities mentioned above are a part of the Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance.

The primary goal of the Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance is to educate the community on the breast cancer diagnostic and treatment options along with continuity of care, convenience, comfort and support that is offered right here at home.

The Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance is here to participate in prevention, to encourage recovery, to promote maintenance and to offer information and support. You have our commitment to caring. The Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance is here for you and your family when you need it the most.

Please call our Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance Coordinator at 318-336-PINK for more information.

Deana Mabry works with the Miss-Lou Breast Cancer Alliance.