By CATHERINE DONNELLY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Throughout the month of May, DHR Health is offering a “Mammos for Moms” special at three different locations in the Rio Grande Valley. The screening special includes a digital 3D (three dimensional) tomography mammogram with radiologist interpretation for just $99 to help remove barriers to women accessing breast exam screenings. Patients simply require a referral from a primary care physician or gynecologist.
Rees Langston, South Padre Island (SPI) City Commissioner, Place 4, also happens to be a committee member of the breast cancer focused, all volunteer non-profit “South Padre Island Walk for Women.” It’s an organization that was started in 2003 when a local resident was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she didn’t have insurance to pay the costs needed to treat it. Her friends organized a walk and an auction to raise money for her expenses.
“For the first walk, we started at the South Padre Island Convention Center and ended at Amberjack at the old Jake’s location,” said Langston. “Then we had an auction of the donated items we gathered for her at Jake’s.”
The money raised went to help this one individual. When her ordeal was over, she said that the issue of not being able to access healthcare was not about her and she urged her friends to grow the movement larger. Today, Walk for Women services Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties and provides support for men and women around the lower RGV who are fighting breast cancer or have survived it.
According to the 501c(3)’s website (spiwalkforwomen.org), more than $547,000 has been given to valley women and their families.
When people contact the organization, they have to prove that they’ve been diagnosed, that they are a U.S. citizen and that they live within the counties mentioned above. The awards are need based and there is a cap on how much goes to any individual. The money goes straight to the individual to be applied as needed.
Some applicants just need help with their co-pays. Some need more dire help because their illness was so severe that they couldn’t work and couldn’t pay their bills or might perhaps be in danger of losing their homes. Others need a little kelp with travel expenses for follow-up exams.
“I love it when area healthcare providers have specials for low-cost health exams,” said Langston. “We have someone now who felt a lump but waited two years to have it examined and now they’re in Stage 4. Early detection and treatment is key!”
Breast cancer is a significant health concern, affecting millions of women worldwide. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and mammograms play a vital role in identifying breast abnormalities even before physical symptoms appear, according to many sources.
Mammogram guidelines typically advise women with an average risk of breast cancer to start screening at age 40 and continue annually thereafter, according to the American Cancer Society, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests starting at age 50 with biennial screenings for those aged 50 to 74.
Screening recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors, such as family history or genetic predispositions. Ultimately, screening decisions should be tailored to each woman’s unique circumstances, and it’s crucial to discuss screening options with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach, according to a recent DHR statement.
“Regular mammograms allow for the timely identification of abnormalities and provide personalized risk assessments, guiding further screening and preventive measures. By prioritizing mammograms, individuals empower themselves with knowledge and proactive steps toward maintaining breast health and overall well-being,” said Dr. Lisa Chapa, DHR Health Breast Surgical Oncologist.
The $99 mammogram screening special is being offered at Women’s Imaging Centers located at DHR Health Medical Building, 1100 E. Dove, McAllen; DHR Health Women’s Imaging Center, 300 Lindberg, McAllen; and DHR Health Imaging Center at Mid Valley, 1121 James Street, Weslaco.
To make an appointment, call (956) 362-7503.