You won't find a more enthusiastic supporter of Lake City Community Hospital than Ginger Joye.

The Santee Electric Cooperative member credits LCCH doctors and radiologists with saving her life last year. Joye, who had no family history of cancer, had a routine mammogram at LCCH in January 2013. 'There were absolutely no symptoms, no pain, no anything,' says Joye, who was 42 at the time.

The mammogram revealed no tumors. An OB/GYN also detected none. But that February LCCH doctors ordered an ultrasound, which revealed four hard-to-detect tumors. Joye soon underwent a right-side mastectomy.

Later, she says, 'I found out that I had nine out of 10 lymph nodes positive (for cancer). If I hadn't had the surgery, it would have spread.'

Joye, who has since become active in a support group for breast cancer patients and survivors that is funded by the hospital's foundation, is helping spread the word about how LCCH is now even better equipped to detect signs of breast cancer.

In August, the hospital received new digital mammography equipment that produces more accurate results - and does so almost immediately, according to LCCH Radiology Director Kay Kinder. 'With digital, the image is obtained and it's available immediately on a computer,' she says. 'As far as the patient is concerned, they're getting better images - and they're in and out faster.'  

LCCH's breast cancer support group adds another level of support, Joye says. Currently, about 50 women from between Lake City, Olanta, Johnsonville and Kingstree receive invitations to meetings. Some participants have survived breast cancer by as much as 22 years, others have just started treatment, Joye notes.

'We've had a good turnout,' Joye says.  'It's very comforting to be with somebody who has been through your same situation.'

The hospital's foundation, which helps raise funds for LCCH needs, allocated $13,267 for educating women about breast cancer and early detection.

With the caring professionals at LCCH even better equipped to help, Joye reminds local women to take advantage of the services that they may not realize their community hospital offers. Most importantly, she stresses, 'It's very important to get that mammogram, even if you don't feel anything.'

Interested in joining the breast cancer support group? Call (843) 374-6127.