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Dallas City Hall panel urges early detection as survivor celebrates remission
Summary
At a City of Dallas panel recorded for Dallas TV, City Manager Kimberly Beiser Tolbert convened clinicians and community groups; survivor Kimberly Zeno recounted her 2022 diagnosis and treatment and panelists urged routine self-exams, strong primary-care relationships and use of local support services.
City Manager Kimberly Beiser Tolbert convened a breast cancer awareness panel at Dallas City Hall that brought together clinicians, survivors and community organizations to stress the importance of early detection and local support. "Here in Dallas alone, more than 1900 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every single year," Tolbert said as she opened the recorded event.
Survivor Kimberly Zeno described noticing a lump, being connected by Dr. Sherry Tennyson to the Bridge Breast Network for navigation, receiving a 3D mammogram and a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (stage 1). Zeno said she chose a double mastectomy with reconstruction and "celebrated my 3 years in remission on September 23." She credited the Bridge Breast Network and her medical team at Medical City Dallas with coordinating tests, insurance support and referrals.
Panel clinicians emphasized practical steps patients can take. "I teach breast self grama starting at age 18," said Dr. Yolanda Lawson, who urged people to learn what is normal for their bodies and to report changes promptly. Dr. Joseph Claiborne, a primary-care physician, recommended that patients and clinicians discuss ahead of time what would happen if a screening returned an abnormal result: "If this test comes back positive, what will we do? Where will you go? How much does it cost?" he said.
Speakers highlighted the role of community partners in bridging gaps in access: Bridge Breast Network, Susan G. Komen, the Pan (Patient Access Network) Foundation, Parkland Community Health Plan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Dallas were on-site to offer resources. Panelists encouraged attendees to ask questions of their insurers and providers and to use local navigators when insurance or cost is a barrier.
The event was recorded for City of Dallas TV and organizers said partner organizations will receive copies of the recording and materials to share more broadly. On-site partner tables and contact information were available after the program for attendees seeking screenings, financial assistance or counseling.
