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Breast Cancer
Screening and Care

Ackerman Cancer Center’s Breast Imaging team proudly offers compassionate, comprehensive screening and diagnostic services. Our in-house imaging capabilities provide you with the answers you need, fast.

Who Should Be Screened for Breast Cancer

Women with an area of concern on the screening mammogram or with breast symptoms such as a lump, nipple or skin changes, or focal breast pain should have a diagnostic breast imaging exam. Women with a personal history of treated breast cancer or high lifetime risk for breast cancer may also benefit from a diagnostic breast imaging evaluation. Diagnostic breast imaging is a problem-solving tool that uses mammography, breast ultrasound, or a combination of both types of imaging tests to exclude or confirm breast cancer.

Breast Clinic

What is a Screening Mammogram?

Breast cancer is common, affecting one in eight women. An estimated 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. Finding breast cancer at the earliest possible stage greatly increases your chances for a complete cure.

Breast cancer is often asymptomatic and undetectable on a physical exam until the cancer is advanced. Screening mammography is an essential test to detect breast cancer before symptoms arise. Breast cancer deaths decrease by 40% in women who receive a yearly screening mammogram, compared to women who do not. We recommend all women at average lifetime risk for breast cancer receive a yearly screening mammogram, beginning at age 40. Women with high lifetime risk for breast cancer may benefit from yearly screening mammography and/or breast MRI, beginning at age 30.

Types of Screenings

Read more below.

Breast ultrasound can add important helpful information as a part of the diagnostic breast imaging exam. Unlike mammography, breast ultrasound does not require compression of the breasts, and is performed while lying down. Ultrasound uses sound waves to analyze the breast tissues, and is especially helpful in determining if a breast lump is fluid-filled or solid in composition.

Ackerman Breast Clinic is the only location in Northeast Florida performing Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) Learn about CEM here.

The gold standard, first-choice test for early breast cancer detection is the digital mammogram. This exam takes images of both breasts from different angles.

3D mammography is a powerful technique that improves the capabilities of the traditional digital mammogram for the detection of early breast cancer. 3D mammograms are performed with the classic 2D mammogram procedure; the 2D and 3D mammograms feel identical, except that during the 3D mammogram, the machine moves in a shallow arc. The 3D mammogram provides images of the breasts in slices as thin as 1 mm. Our diagnostic radiologists use these thin-slice pictures to examine the breast tissues layer by layer.

3D mammography has been shown to improve detection of invasive cancers when used in conjunction with standard mammography. A 3D mammogram can also clarify areas in question on the traditional mammogram, decreasing the chances that you will be recalled from your screening mammogram for a diagnostic breast imaging exam.

What is a Breast Biopsy?

Breast biopsy procedures are performed using imaging guidance to target an area of concern and obtain a sample for definitive testing.

Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsies are the most common type of breast biopsy performed. This procedure is used when the suspicious finding is a space-occupying breast mass. Ultrasonic sound waves provide visualization of the biopsy target during the entire biopsy procedure. The breast imaging physician will watch in real time as tissue samples are obtained from the breast using a core biopsy device, to ensure safe and accurate diagnostic sampling.

Stereotactic- or tomosynthesis-guided breast Biopsy

2D or 3D mammography is used in this type of biopsy to localize the breast finding of concern and provide precise coordinates within the breast for biopsy device placement. This procedure is most often used for sampling of calcifications in the breast that cannot be visualized with ultrasound, because some types of calcifications can be a sign of early breast cancer.

During a stereotactic guided biopsy, the area of the breast containing the biopsy target will remain compressed during the biopsy and images will be taken at different points during the procedure to confirm safe and accurate diagnostic sampling.

No special preparation is required for the biopsy – you can eat and drink, take any medications as usual, and drive yourself to and from the biopsy.

We recommend wearing a loose-fitting, comfortable two piece outfit for any mammogram or biopsy procedure. It’s also ideal for patients to avoid NSAID medications and aspirin prior to biopsies, if medically appropriate.

Breast biopsies are performed at our Amelia Island office under local anesthesia. Most breast biopsy procedures take less than twenty minutes to perform, and patients are typically in and out of the clinic in an hour or less.

After Your Biopsy

Discomfort from the biopsy procedure is typically minimal, and there are very few restrictions to your activity after the biopsy as they do not require sutures. An Ackerman Cancer Center physician will review your biopsy results with you as soon as they become available, and you will receive an expert recommendation regarding the next steps in your care.

How do I know which option is right for me?

Contact us to learn which mammography option is right for you.

Schedule Your Screening
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.
Headshot Shelby Goodman

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.
Headshot Kali Molter

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.
Headshot Tiffany Vaughn

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.
Vivienne Burnett Headshot

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.
Headshot Timothy Scott

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.
Headshot Grigoriy Sarkisov

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.
Headshot Jennifer Zelaya

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.
Headshot Amy Mousa

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.
Headshot Nelson Miksys

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.

Headshot Robert Tokarz

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.

Headshot Gigi Ackerman Schwartz

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.