CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances made headlines recently with the opening of the new Louise Herrington Cancer Center on the fifth floor of the Bradley-Thompson Tower in Tyler. Also, with a partnership with Texas Oncology for a future  outpatient treatment and research center will be called the Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute. 

However, when it comes to early detection and treatment for breast cancer, CHRISTUS has East Texas covered. Here is a look at the programs in the words of the hospital and where you can find a location near your home. 

Comprehensive & Collaborative Breast Care Program

“What sets our program apart is that we actively encourage and make arrangements for a woman to meet with all prospective specialists who may be directly involved in her care. She can then be counseled by them before any treatment is rendered. Allowing her to make a truly informed decision about her cancer care.” – John Larrinaga, MD, The Ross Breast Center Medical Director

This unique collaboration of care was designed to address all aspects of patient care, disease management and recovery, through research, state-of-the-art technology and a team of specialists dedicated to one goal – your victory. Our coordinated and complete Cancer Care Program also includes the expertise of the nationally recognized physicians of Texas Oncology – Tyler.

Our proactive, team approach to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment includes:

• An initial diagnostic evaluation to address any clinical concerns

• Immediate feedback following that evaluationPlans for follow-up and/or biopsy if needed

• Specialist referrals, including: An initial meeting with one of our general surgeons from a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist (when appropriate) and one of our plastic surgeons and an American Cancer Society’s“Reach to Recovery” consultation if desired. And newly diagnosed cancer patients are discussed at a weekly, multi-disciplinary breast conference amongst a team of medical specialists to offer comments, second opinions and to formulate a treatment plan.

Our Cancer Care Program has achieved full approval from the Commission on Cancer, which recognizes the facility’s commitment to the community and to its cancer patients. This commitment is demonstrated by the organization of cancer services, the scope of quality care provided either on site or by referral and through studies of quality and implemented changes to improve access to care and outcomes.

Know Your Breast Density

Did you know that 50% of all pre-menopausal and about 33% of all post-menopausal women have at least moderately dense breast tissue? Using sophisticated risk-assessment models, the expert radiologists of The Ross Breast Center will review your risk profile, in addition to your breast density, to help identify if you may be at higher risk for developing breast cancer. Certain women may benefit from an additional screening exam, beyond their annual mammogram. 

If your mammogram shows you have dense breast tissue, which could hide abnormalities, and you have other risk factors for breast cancer that have been identified, you might benefit from supplemental screening tests that may be suggested from your ordering physician.

Dense breast tissue, in and of itself, is a fairly common condition. Therefore, this information is not intended to cause unnecessary concern, but rather to raise awareness and promote discussion with your physician regarding the existence of other risk factors, in addition to dense breast tissue.

A report of your mammography results will be sent to you and your physician. You should contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding this report.

Treatment System

Today, more and more women with early-stage breast cancer are able to treat their cancer effectively and preserve their breasts through an option called Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT). BCT includes the removal of the cancerous tumor through a procedure called lumpectomy. The lumpectomy is generally followed by seven weeks of whole breast external beam radiation therapy. This combination of surgery and radiation works well to prevent recurrence of the tumor.

However, some patients find it hard to complete almost two months of radiation therapy, as it may be difficult to take time from work or other responsibilities or treatment centers may be far from home.

Solutions for Special Cancers

The MammoSite radiation therapy system offers a possible solution for these patients. The MammoSite system is the most widely used method of partial breast irradiation that works by delivering radiation from inside the breast directly to the tissue where cancer is most likely to recur. Radiation therapy with Mammosite can be completed in five days, allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.

The Partnership

By partnering with Texas Oncology, Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances offers this advanced treatment at our Tyler facility, enabling women throughout East Texas to obtain this state-of-the-art therapy without traveling far from home.

Appropriate patient selection is essential to successfully treating patients with partial breast irradiation as an alternative to whole breast radiation therapy. Generally, patients have early-stage breast cancer with tumors less than three centimeters in size and are older than 45 years of age.

Please call (903) 531-5433 or learn more about The Ross Breast Center and schedule your mammogram today.

The Ross Breast Center

When detected early, breast cancer is a curable disease. And the two most important things you can do to protect yourself are monthly breast self-exams and annual mammograms. With breast cancer affecting almost 1 in 8 American women, your visit to The Ross Breast Center could be one of the most important steps you take to protect yourself.

From the vision of the Ross sisters, The Ross Breast Center was established in 1997 as one of the first comprehensive programs in the region designed specifically for breast health and care. Our facilities utilize the most advanced digital technology available to detect breast disease.

And our highly skilled team of board certified radiologists and two fellowship trained, board certified breast radiologists are dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care to our patients every stage of their journey. The best protection is early detection. When detected early, breast cancer is a curable disease and for this reason we encourage the women of east Texas to take advantage of the various educational opportunities we offer through grants provided by Susan G. Komen of Tyler.

Breast Cancer Risk Evaluation and Action

The provides women, and rarely men, with medical genetics testing and evaluation, along with personalized recommendations for breast cancer prevention and early detection.

For more information or to make arrangements for your group to participate in one of the classes we offer, please contact our Community Breast Educator, Tracy Sawyer, at (903) 531-5459 or sawyert@tmfhs.org.

All Locations

Longview: Good Shepherd Breast Center in Longview, 705 East Marshall Avenue, Suite 1003 (Medical Plaza III), Longview, Texas 75601 Call: 903-315-3860

Tyler: The Ross Breast Center, 910 East Houston Street,  Tyler, Texas 75702 Call: 903-606-5433

Marshall: CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Breast Center in Marshall, 811 South Washington, Marshall, Texas 75670 Call: 903-315-2130

Jacksonville CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Jacksonville, 2026 South Jackson Street, Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Call: 903-541-4500

Canton: Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark in Canton, 18780 Interstate 20, Canton, Texas 75103 Call: 903-567-4841

Lindale: Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark in Lindale, 3203 South Main Street, Lindale, Texas 75771 Call: 903-266-4000

Also in Tyler: CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Broadway Commons, 8288 South Broadway Avenue, Tyler, Texas 75703 Call: 903-606-7060