Dicy Peppers, a supervisory training instructor with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Brunswick, has more than 20 years of experience teaching TSA agents strategies and techniques to successfully detect security threats in the nation’s transportation systems. Similar to her professional life, Ms. Peppers understands the importance of annual mammograms to detect breast cancer. She has two aunts, her mother’s sisters, who were diagnosed with breast cancer and have been cancer-free for almost 30 years, thanks to early detection. So, each year, she faithfully attends her mammogram appointment.
Why get screened?
Chris Moncus Photography
Stephen G. Barrett, MD; Timothy A. Jamieson, MD, PhD; Dicy Peppers
Mammograms take only a few minutes to perform, but they could add years to a woman’s life. That’s because regular mammograms can detect the disease early—before it generates symptoms, like a lump—and when it’s easier to successfully treat.
“Sometimes, just before the appointment, I dread the discomfort of a mammogram,” says Ms. Peppers. “But, seriously, it’s just a momentary squeeze that’s over and done with so quickly that it’s not worth worrying about. There’s no pain afterwards and knowing that early detection of breast cancer can make a difference for treatment outcomes is well worth the squeeze.”
Shocking news
Ms. Peppers’ commitment to annual mammogram screenings served her well when, shortly after undergoing a routine mammogram in 2023, she was asked to return to the Southeast Georgia Health System Breast Care Center for a follow-up procedure. During an appointment with Stephen G. Barrett, MD, a board-certified general surgeon specializing in breast health with Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-General & Vascular Surgery, she received a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer.
“I was in shock and immediately began praying about it,” Ms. Peppers shares. “I believe the Lord was walking with me during my journey and led me to Dr. Barrett. He and his team were so sweet and gentle, but also direct and informative. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
Expert, caring treatment
Ms. Peppers’ treatment plan included both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Timothy A. Jamieson, MD, PhD, oversaw Ms. Peppers’ radiation treatments, which were noninvasive and painless. “TrueBeam provides radiation with speed and precision to treat tumors, particularly those in challenging locations,” explains Dr. Jamieson. “Ms. Peppers was able to continue working, traveling and participating in daily activities throughout her radiation therapy.”
Ms. Peppers’ final radiation treatment took place in August 2024. Recent imaging scans are clear, and she is now in remission. She concludes, “I had such a wonderful team taking care of me. I recommend them to anyone who receives a breast cancer diagnosis. But another important thing that helped to keep me positive and I recommend to others, was that while I was willing to accept a diagnosis of breast cancer, I refused to allow the diagnosis to become who I am.”
To learn more about Ms. Peppers’ experience and Southeast Georgia Health System breast imaging services, visit sghs.org.
Mammograms Save Lives
Getting screened for breast cancer on a regular basis is important. Southeast Georgia Health System offers 3D mammograms, an advanced technology that can detect breast cancer when it’s small and before a lump can be felt—which is when treatment often works best.
Southeast Georgia Health System - Women’s Imaging
Brunswick Campus • 2500 Starling Street • 912.466.1240
Brunswick Medical Plaza • 3025 Shrine Road, Suite 160 • 912.466.1240
Camden Campus • 2000 Dan Proctor Drive • St. Marys • 912.576.6190
