When something feels different, don't wait
Baptist Health Paducah. October 23, 2026
PADUCAH, KY (Oct. 23, 2026) – Shannon Livingston, Baptist Health Paducah Foundation Director, never expected an evening with friends to lead to a breast cancer diagnosis. After noticing a lump in her breast, Livingston decided not to ignore the change and scheduled a mammogram. The mammogram would confirm stage 2 breast cancer.
“My biggest concern was my three children, I am the constant in their lives, and I needed to know that I was going to be around for a long time for them!” said Livingston.
Livingston underwent six rounds of chemotherapy followed by a bilateral mastectomy with targeted axillary dissection and is currently undergoing 33 radiation treatments.
Looking back, Livingston has a direct message for women who may be putting off routine breast cancer screenings.
“GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM!” said Livingston. “Do as I say not as I did! I was two years behind on my mammogram. Why? Because it was inconvenient, because I was never going to get cancer, because I had too much to do.”
“Turns out you know what is super inconvenient? Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, being terrified that you might not be around for your kids and wishing every single day that I had not gotten myself in this situation,” said Livingston. “So, do as I say and not as I do, please get your mammogram!”
Livingston’s experience also reinforces the importance of at home breast exams and recognizing when something does not look or feel normal.
Early signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
Mammograms can help detect cancer before a lump can be felt, while breast self-awareness can help identify changes sooner. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a new lump, sore spot, skin changes, nipple discharge or another unexplained breast change.
A screening mammogram does not require a provider’s referral. Patients only need to need to provide the name of a provider who can receive their results.
To schedule your mammogram, call 270.575.2662, then select option 2.
“My biggest concern was my three children, I am the constant in their lives, and I needed to know that I was going to be around for a long time for them!” said Livingston.
Livingston underwent six rounds of chemotherapy followed by a bilateral mastectomy with targeted axillary dissection and is currently undergoing 33 radiation treatments.
Looking back, Livingston has a direct message for women who may be putting off routine breast cancer screenings.
“GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM!” said Livingston. “Do as I say not as I did! I was two years behind on my mammogram. Why? Because it was inconvenient, because I was never going to get cancer, because I had too much to do.”
“Turns out you know what is super inconvenient? Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, being terrified that you might not be around for your kids and wishing every single day that I had not gotten myself in this situation,” said Livingston. “So, do as I say and not as I do, please get your mammogram!”
Livingston’s experience also reinforces the importance of at home breast exams and recognizing when something does not look or feel normal.
Early signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast.
- Changes in the appearance, shape or size of the breast or nipple.
- A rash or skin changes around the nipple.
- Nipple discharge.
- Breast pain or swelling in the armpit.
- Flaking, peeling or scaling of the nipple.
Mammograms can help detect cancer before a lump can be felt, while breast self-awareness can help identify changes sooner. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a new lump, sore spot, skin changes, nipple discharge or another unexplained breast change.
A screening mammogram does not require a provider’s referral. Patients only need to need to provide the name of a provider who can receive their results.
To schedule your mammogram, call 270.575.2662, then select option 2.