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Dr. Scot Ackerman Joins WJXT for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. Scot Ackerman Joins WJXT for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Scot Ackerman joined WJXT on two occasions to discuss the importance of screening and early detection in the treatment of breast cancer, and how to know which screening method is best for you.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer found in women, except for skin cancers, with 1 in 8 women developing it in their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, about 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2022. They also estimate that there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the US right now.

Risk factors to consider regarding breast cancer include:

  • Gender- females are much more likely to develop breast cancer
  • Age- breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed after age 55
  • Genetics- 5-10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary
    • BRCA1 and BRCA2 are most common genetic mutations: women with these mutations have a 70% chance of diagnosis by age 80. This risk increases if more than 1 relative has been diagnosed
      • Patients with these mutations are often diagnosed at a younger age, and are also likely to have cancer in both breasts
    • Other gene mutations occur, but are not as common as BRCA1 and BRCA2
  • Personal/family history of breast cancer- having a first degree relative diagnosed doubles the risk
  • Dense breast tissue- patients with dense tissue have twice the risk of women with average density, because it can be harder to see on mammograms

There are advanced breast screening and diagnostic services that are incredibly beneficial in detecting breast cancer early. It is important to speak with your physician prior to having these exams, to see which is best for you.

  • Screening Services:
    • Self-examination- recommended to start at age 20 and can be performed at home on a monthly basis
    • Professional/clinical breast examination- performed by a physician
    • Traditional Mammography
  • Diagnostic Services:
    • Breast Ultrasound and Biopsy
    • Breast MRI
    • 2D and 3D Mammography
    • Contrast Enhanced Mammography (CEM)

Contrast Enhanced Mammography- the most advanced and precise breast imaging available

  • CEM is similar to a traditional mammogram, but delivers higher sensitivity and image clarity by utilizing a contrast-dye medium, which is a substance that is injected into the bloodstream and highlights any abnormalities in the breast tissue
  • It is a diagnostic service, which requires a physician referral, that is beneficial for patients with dense breast tissue or at a high risk of breast cancer, who may have a personal and/or family history of breast cancer, or with palpable breast lumps

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

In addition to these screening and diagnostic services, there are also advanced treatment options to be utilized if diagnosed. These include:

  • Surgery
  • Hormonal/targeted Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy- Conventional Radiation Therapy and Proton Therapy

Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer

While many people are aware that Proton Therapy is used all of the time in treating brain cancers, lung cancers, head and neck cancers, etc., it is also incredibly effective in treating breast cancers. Proton Therapy is the most precise form of radiation that uses energy particles to destroy cancerous cells while protecting healthy tissue. To simply describe how it works, there is a beam of proton particles that deliver a powerful dose of radiation to the exact site of the tumor. Compared to conventional radiation which travels through the body and surrounding organs, proton particles stop at the exact tumor site and do not expose the surrounding organs.

Advantages of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer

  • Breast- used for all stages of breast cancer, locally advanced, and node positive breast cancers
  • Spares the contralateral breast, lungs, and heart from radiation
  • Reduces risk of future heart disease, number of heart attacks, and chronic pulmonary disease, especially for left-sided breast cancer
  • On average there is very minimal radiation exposure to the heart and 50% less radiation to the lung, as compared with conventional radiation
  • Tumor can receive a higher dose of radiation, resulting in better tumor control
  • Reduced risk of cancer recurrence
  • Fewer side effects and complications
  • Brighter quality of life during and after treatment

To learn more about Breast Screening and Diagnostic Services as well as Treatment Options, at Ackerman Cancer Center, visit ackermanbreastclinic.com

To view the full segments on WJXT with Dr. Scot Ackerman, click the links below:

https://www.news4jax.com/video/morning-show/2022/10/13/the-importance-of-breast-cancer-detection

https://www.news4jax.com/video/morning-show/2022/10/18/breast-cancer-awareness-month-there-is-a-new-diagnosis-every-2-minutes

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Headshot Arlean Marcellus

Arlean Marcellus, BS

Physician Liaison

Arlean Marcellus joined Ackerman Cancer Center in March 2023 and leads physician outreach. She builds and strengthens meaningful partnerships with referring physicians, healthcare facilities, and medical groups, driving growth in patient referrals. Arlean holds a degree in Health Science with a concentration in Public Health from the University of North Florida. Beyond her work, she volunteers with Feeding Northeast Florida. In her free time, Arlean enjoys running, roller skating, and spending time with her family.
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Shelby Goodman, MSW

Oncology Social Worker

Shelby Goodman joined the Ackerman Cancer Center team in January 2023 as the oncology social worker. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of North Florida and went on to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). With over five years of experience supporting individuals and families in the social work field, her practice focuses on psychosocial support, care coordination, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Shelby is a member of the Florida Society of Oncology Social Workers (FSOSW). In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and dog.
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Kali Molter, MBA

Community Relations Specialist

Kali Molter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in August 2024 and supports community outreach, marketing initiatives, and engagement efforts. She holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from the University of North Florida. A Jacksonville native and Bishop Kenny alum, Kali is passionate about contributing to and strengthening the local community. She brings experience in hospitality and event management and serves on the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX Professional Development and Community Engagement committees. Outside of work, Kali enjoys living at the beach, running and yoga, traveling, and is a lifelong Jacksonville Jaguars fan.

Ceilidgh O'Brien, BS

Patient Relations Manager

Ceilidgh O’Brien is the patient relations manager at Ackerman Cancer Center, where she leads the patient relations team and helps ensure every patient experience is organized, supportive, and welcoming. She oversees scheduling and communications and is passionate about creating efficient processes that help patients and staff feel informed, supported, and cared for. Ceilidgh earned a Bachelor of Science in health sciences from the University of South Florida in 2024 and values building strong, compassionate connections with both patients and colleagues. A Boston native, Ceilidgh traded snow for sunshine and now spends her free time running with friends and supporting the Jacksonville Humane Society.
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Tiffany Vaughn, RT (R)(T)

Manager, Radiation Therapy & Imaging

Tiffany Vaughn brings extensive experience and steady leadership to Ackerman Cancer Center, with 24 years of service to the practice. For the past 15 years, she has served in leadership roles, overseeing both radiation therapy and imaging departments with a focus on quality care, collaboration, and operational excellence. Tiffany is a proud member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. She earned her technologist degree from St. Vincent's Medical Center and completed radiation therapy training from Washburn University. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing in or around the water, and taking on hands-on projects around her home.
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Vivienne Bennett, MS, RT(R)(M)​

Clinic Manager

Vivienne Bennett joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2013 as a mammography technologist and was promoted in 2021 to oncology clinic manager, overseeing clinical operations across all four locations. She provides leadership for daily clinic operations, supports multidisciplinary oncology teams, ensures regulatory and accreditation compliance, and implements operational strategies to improve quality, safety, and patient experience. Vivienne holds a master’s degree in medical radiation sciences from the University of Sydney in Australia and is a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Outside of work, she enjoys watching sports, walking, and spending time with friends and family.
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Timothy Scott, RTR, RTT, CMD

Manager, Dosimetry, Facilities, & Research

Tim Scott joined Ackerman Cancer Center in 2003 and brings nearly 40 years of experience in radiation oncology and medical dosimetry operations. He oversees medical dosimetry, facilities, special projects, and research and has played a key role in nearly every building project and major technology launch at the center. Tim is passionate about innovation and the development, construction, and commissioning of advanced treatment technologies, including proton therapy. Beyond his professional work, Tim serves as a worship pastor and is a brass musician. In his free time, he enjoys restoring classic cars and spending time on the lake.
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Greg Sarkisov, BS

Director of Information Technology

Greg Sarkisov joined Ackerman Cancer Center in September 2019 and oversees all facets of information technology and information security within the organization. Greg has over twenty years of experience in information technology and security. With over six of those years in our practice, he has led initiatives to strengthen our core security and expand the use of various technologies to help aid our staff in providing effective and efficient patient care. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems security from ITT Technical Institute. Outside of work, he stays active in the community and is a member of the IT Council with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, Greg enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
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Jennifer Zelaya, MHA

Director of Human Resources

Jenny Zelaya is the director of human resources at Ackerman Cancer Center and Ackerman Urology, where she oversees all HR functions and fosters a positive, inclusive workplace culture. She holds a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Miami and brings extensive experience in talent management, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance. Fluent in Spanish, Jennifer enjoys staying active outside of work, playing pickleball, golfing with friends and family, and spending time with her golden retriever, Lenny.
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Amy Mousa, CPA

Director of Finance and Accounting

Amy Mousa joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2021 and serves as the director of finance and accounting. In her role, she oversees financial operations and supports the organization’s strategic and operational goals. Amy holds a Florida CPA license and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of North Florida. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
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Nelson Miksys, PhD, MCCPM

Chief Medical Physicist

Nelson Miksys joined Ackerman Cancer Center in October 2019. As chief medical physicist, Nelson manages the medical physics department, which is responsible for
quality assurance of all patient treatment plans, calibration of the radiation therapy equipment, maintenance of the radiation safety program, integration of new technology
into the clinic, and providing clinical technical support across all aspects of the cancer center. Nelson has over ten years of experience as a medical physicist and comes to Ackerman Cancer Center from The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre (Ottawa, Canada). Nelson has a PhD in medical physics from Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada) and a
master’s degree in medical and health physics from McMaster University (Hamilton,
Canada). Outside of work, Nelson is actively involved in his children’s sports activities and community social events and is passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular physical fitness and outdoor activities.

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Robert Tokarz, MS, DABR

Vice President, Technical Services

Rob Tokarz joined Ackerman Cancer Center in January 2014 and oversees the Physics, Dosimetry, Therapy, Imaging, IT, and Transcription departments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from Notre Dame and a Master of Science in medical physics from Columbia University. Rob has worked in the field of medical physics for 25 years and has worked previously at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Prior to his career in medical physics, Rob was an officer in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant commander. As a naval aviator, he flew Seahawk
helicopters out of Naval Station Mayport and was stationed overseas in Bahrain.

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Gigi Ackerman Schwartz, MBA

Vice President, Operations

Gigi Ackerman Schwartz joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2020 and leads strategic planning initiatives across all departments, directs all aspects of revenue cycle management, and works to develop and maintain relationships with community partners. Gigi holds an MBA from Tulane University. A Jacksonville native, she is involved in several local charitable and civic organizations. She serves as chair of the Art in Public Places Committee for the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, is a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, and is a trustee of the Jewish Community Alliance and Jacksonville Jewish Center. In her free time, Gigi enjoys playing mahjong, exploring new hobbies with friends, and spending time with her husband and two-year-old daughter.

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Headshot Baylee Richter

Baylee Richter, BS

Community Relations Manager

Baylee Richter joined Ackerman Cancer Center in November 2024 and oversees digital campaigns, brand strategy, and community outreach and engagement. With more than eight years of experience in events and marketing, she has led initiatives that strengthen patient engagement, community awareness, and referral growth. Baylee holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, she stays actively involved in the community through her service on the board of the American Lung Association. She also supports the American Cancer Society’s Cowford Ball as a member of the children’s art project committee and contributes to the Jacksonville Chamber’s NEXTUP JAX program, serving on two committees. In her free time, Baylee enjoys spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Cooper, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.