How early cancer detection at Parkland led to 100 lifesaving diagnoses
Parkland’s Surveillance Team is improving cancer outcomes across Dallas County
When 43-year-old Monique Jones went to Parkland Memorial Hospital for a broken ankle, cancer was the last thing on her mind.
The mother of two had surgery to repair her ankle and was focused on healing. During a follow-up visit, her physician noticed she was due for a mammogram and encouraged her to schedule one. Jones felt fine. She had no symptoms. Still, she followed through.
“I wasn’t expecting anything,” she said. “Nothing felt wrong, but I was of the recommended age and figured it couldn’t hurt.”
That screening led to additional diagnostic imaging, which revealed findings suspicious for cancer.
Jones was later diagnosed with early-stage cancer and is now one of 100 patients whose cancers were identified through Parkland’s Digital Health Center Surveillance Team, a milestone the team recently reached in its work to prevent missed or delayed diagnoses.
The Surveillance Team uses data-driven tools to proactively identify abnormal findings and close care gaps. By ensuring timely review, follow-up and care coordination, the team helps prevent patients from falling through the cracks.
“Reaching 100 diagnoses is more than a milestone — it represents 100 lives where we had the opportunity to act early, intervene sooner and potentially change outcomes,” said Anarose Palumbo, LVN, Nurse and Patient Advocate with Parkland’s Digital Health Center. “To me, each number is a person, a family and a story. Early detection gives patients options. It gives them time.”
In mid-October 2024, the Surveillance Team began coordinating Jones’ care immediately. After same-day enrollment and order approval, her diagnostic mammogram was scheduled and completed in November.
Additional imaging led to a biopsy later that month. By the first week of December, Jones received a breast cancer diagnosis. She was immediately referred to the Parkland Breast Oncology team, and with support from a referral navigator, her care moved quickly.
She underwent a partial mastectomy on Dec. 26 — just a few weeks after her diagnosis.
Although her cancer was caught early, treatment was not without challenges. She completed 16 radiation treatments and now continues hormone therapy. She experiences nerve pain, fatigue and other side effects.
Still, she is grateful.
“A lot of people catch it too late,” she said. “It’s good to stay ahead of it.”
Her experience has changed how she talks to others. She urges friends and family to stay current on screenings. Jones’ mother survived cancer, too, and now she encourages her 23-year-old daughter to be vigilant as well.
“You never know what they’ll find. It’s better to know early so you can treat it head-on,” Jones said.
For the Digital Health Center Surveillance Team, the 100th diagnosis represents more than a milestone. It reflects the power of coordinated, proactive care, especially in a safety-net system where patients often face barriers to timely follow-up.
“We do not close the surveillance case until the patient completes the full care pathway, including surgery, post-op follow-up or final outcomes, ensuring no patient falls through the cracks,” said Palumbo.
That level of vigilance extends beyond professional duty. Palumbo’s commitment to proactive follow-up was influenced by her own family’s experience navigating a complex healthcare system. When her grandmother suffered a stroke in their small, rural town, delays in care and a lack of clear communication led to complications that permanently altered her quality of life.
“I approach every patient with the same mindset,” she said. “I think of every single one as if they were my grandmother.”
For Jones, this milestone represents the gift Palumbo hopes every patient they encounter gets more of — time. Time she might not have had with her loved ones if she had delayed that recommended mammogram.
“Prayer and my family gave me strength every day during this time,” Jones said. “A lot of people put off getting checked out because they are scared of bad news. I just want them to know there’s nothing wrong with going to the doctor.”
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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