21 year old breast cancer survivor, Kourtney Thomas, understand the importance of having quick and convenient breast cancer screenings

According to the American Cancer Society, 40,170 American women will die of breast cancer in 2009 as it is the second leading cause of cancer death in females. Even more harrowing, the chance of a woman dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35. Because early detection is essential in beating this disease, doctors recommend that women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year as a preventive measure. But as fewer radiologists specialize in mammography and screening facilities across the country continue to close, mammography wait times have skyrocketed.

Advocate Trinity Hospital, in Chicago, is combating this problem by offering immediate appointments and "walk-in" Thursdays. Patients usually do not wait more than forty minutes to receive a mammogram, often waiting less than twenty. Michelle Kleszynski, Director of Diagnostic Imaging Services, says, "Trinity is in a perfect location to serve an underserved community. We hope more women learn about Trinity and utilize our services. " Trinity has appointments available immediately and has mammography services six days a week.

Kourtney Thomas, a 21-year-old breast cancer survivor who was treated at Trinity, understands the importance of having access to quick and convenient breast cancer screenings. While performing her routine self breast exam, Kourtney found a lump in her chest that couldn't be ignored. She immediately called her primary care physician to schedule an appointment. Since both of Kourtney's grandmothers have been diagnosed with breast cancer, her doctor advised her to schedule a mammogram at Trinity Hospital as soon as possible. Because Trinity offers the latest in digital mammography, has appointments available immediately, and can have results to the doctor within 48 hours, Kourtney knew she was in good hands.

She immediately received an ultrasound of her breast and was told by her doctor that a biopsy had to be done. Knowing the biopsy results would give her a definitive answer, Kourtney wanted the test done right away. Trinity's staff did their best to accommodate her, performing all necessary tests in a single day. Three days later, Kourtney's doctor had her results- she had cancer. "Dr. Richards took the time to discuss all the possible treatment options with me until I felt comfortable enough to make a decision," said Kourtney. "I decided to get a lumpectomy." The doctors and nurses at Trinity moved quickly to set-up her surgery. Two weeks later, she was escorted to the operating room. Since faith plays a vital role in Kourtney's life, a Trinity nurse prayed with her before entering the operating room.

After surgery, she was sent home to recuperate where she received a discharge phone call from her nurse making sure the healing process was going well. Kourtney had a follow up appointment a week later. She was excited to see all the nurses and radiologists who had helped take care of her. Kourtney says, "I want people to know how amazing Trinity has been throughout this whole experience. They moved extremely quickly on everything. My records were given to me immediately, all my tests were performed in a single day, and my doctor took the time to explain everything to me. They truly made everything a little easier."

Kourtney knows her cancer can always come back so she will have to be monitored a lot more closely. Knowing that early detection is key, Kourtney wants to talk about this experience with women her age. "Young women need to make a monthly self breast exam part of their routine, especially African American women," she said. In fact, according to The Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, the breast cancer mortality rate for African-American women in the city is 116% higher than that of white women.

To learn more about Kourtney's story, click here.