Dr. Denise Thigpen, a breast radiologist at AdventHealth Avista, is urging women to prioritize their health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She highlights the importance of regular screenings and early detection, noting that many women often put their own health last due to other responsibilities.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so important because it not only serves as a great time to educate patients about breast health and screening,” Dr. Thigpen said. “But also serves as a helpful yearly reminder to take the time out of our busy lives to care for ourselves.”
Dr. Thigpen, who is also a mother, understands the tendency to focus on others first. “We often put ourselves last,” she said. “But when we make time to keep ourselves healthy, we can be more fully present for others in our lives, too.”
She stresses the value of annual mammograms starting at age 40, and sometimes earlier depending on individual risk. “We know that the most women’s lives will be saved if we start at age 40 and go EVERY year,” she explained. “Every woman should have a risk-assessment done by age 25 so that she can benefit from early screening if needed. Also, it’s never too late to start! If you are over 40 and you have never had a mammogram, now is the time to start!”
Dr. Thigpen also addresses a common misconception that only women with symptoms or a family history need mammograms. “Screening mammograms are meant especially for patients with NO symptoms or concerns,” she said. “According to the American Cancer Society, 85% of breast cancers are found in women who have no family history of the disease.”
She encourages regular self-exams and immediate consultation with a doctor if any changes are noticed. “I encourage my patients to perform regular self-exams and if you feel any lumps or changes, go see your doctor,” she said. “If you have any nipple discharge or skin changes, you should also go see your doctor.”
Dr. Thigpen explained that early detection leads to better outcomes. “Our goal when doing a screening mammogram is to find breast cancer early, before you feel a lump or have any other symptoms,” she said. “When we find breast cancer early, we see the best outcomes for patients. We have excellent survival rates, and we can use less aggressive treatments, perform smaller surgeries, and have less of a disruption to your life.” The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is over 99%.
She also noted a rise in breast cancer rates among women under 50. “We don’t fully understand the reasons why, but lifestyle and environmental factors may be the cause,” Dr. Thigpen said. “Another good reason to get your yearly mammogram beginning at age 40.”
Advancements in imaging technology have improved patient care. “Our imaging today can see inside the breast using ‘3D’ technology called tomosynthesis,” she said. “There have been lots of improvements focused on patient comfort over the years as well.” For high-risk patients, AdventHealth Avista offers personalized screening programs. “We calculate your risk at each mammogram appointment and provide a personalized high-risk screening program,” she said.
Dr. Thigpen also provided advice on supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer: “Meet them where they are and don’t bring your own expectations.” She suggests practical support such as helping with meals, childcare, housekeeping, or simply offering companionship.
Located in Orlando, Florida, AdventHealth Orlando was founded in 1908 and serves as a training hospital with a pediatric ward. The current president is Terry Shaw.
For Dr. Thigpen, supporting her community remains central to her work. “Being there for my community is why I am a breast radiologist,” she said.
