Cancer is often a silent disease and, in its early stages, may occur without symptoms, without notice, and without detection. Regretfully, many incidents of cancer are diagnosed in an advanced stage, and by the time a patient can tell something is wrong, it might be too late.

Recognizing the healthcare needs of Southeast Texans, medical leader and cancer awareness advocate Joseph Kong, MD, FACR, radiation oncologist at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute, envisioned a center that would replicate the outstanding medical excellence found at the Cancer Prevention Center at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

In May 2006, thanks to the generosity of Charline Dauphin, the dream became a reality with the grand opening and celebration of the Charline and Sidney "Chief" Dauphin Cancer Screening & Prevention Center, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of dignitaries and medical professionals.

"We at M. D. Anderson are delighted to have played a role in facilitating the implementation of Mrs. Dauphin¹s vision," said Bernard Levin, MD, Vice President for Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences.

This "center of excellence" offers women throughout Southeast Texas access to the finest technology with the introduction of the area¹s first and only digital mammography system. Providing state-of-the-art imaging that reduces mammogram time while increasing earlier detection of breast cancer, the Dauphin Center is designed with women in mind.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who supported the project by helping secure federal funding, sent her staff member, Jason Fuller, to extol her good wishes.

"Early cancer screening and detection, along with prevention education, are the most effective tools we have to combat this dreaded disease," Hutchison said in a statement. "I appreciate your efforts to improve the health and quality of life for Southeast Texans. I have long been a champion in the fight against cancer and will continue to support your efforts as we work to increase funding for the National Cancer Institute."

Cancer spared Dauphin¹s family, but she and "Chief" witnessed its devastating effects on patients in their business, Texas Home Health. "I just kind of started my little crusade, I guess you¹d say, trying to help out. I feel so honored to be a part of it," Dauphin declared.

Modeled after the Cancer Prevention Center at M. D. Anderson, the Dauphin Center is part of the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute of Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital Beaumont and incorporates breast and prostate health awareness with nutrition and fitness services.

Kong, an alumnus of M. D. Anderson¹s radiation oncology program, emphasized, "I believe that cancer prevention is the future of cancer care. Having a dedicated prevention facility such as the Dauphin Center is truly a great advancement and will contribute tremendously to the health care of Southeast Texas for years to come."

Combining their professional talents and outreach skills, Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute Clinical Director Gay-Lynne Jones, RN, and Dauphin Center Nurse Manager Irene Ramirez, RN, in collaboration with the Julie Rogers "Gift of Life" Program, have provided hundreds of educational programs throughout Southeast Texas during the past 12 years.

Sensitive to women¹s health care issues and the importance of a warm and relaxing environment, the staff welcomes mammogram clients with comfortable robes and refreshing drinks. "It¹s almost like going to a fancy spa somewhere," Charline Dauphin said. "It beats the heck out of those old cold rooms."

Women screened at the Center have praised their digital mammogram experience, including the personal treatment by caring hands extending warm blankets after their tests.

The Center also offers tobacco cessation programs and genetic counseling, as well as a resource library to keep the public informed on the latest medical research and treatment options to assist in health care decisions.