Three Breast Cancer Survivors Help Raise Awareness On The Importance Of Early Detection

Held to launch South Texas Health System’s monthlong Cinco de Mammo initiative, the special celebration featured three Breast Cancer warriors sharing their battle with breast cancer to highlight the significance of early detection through regular mammography screenings

It’s a simple fact: a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases of the life-threatening disease detected in women 55 and older, per the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

But there’s growing evidence that breast cancer is being diagnosed at earlier ages, particularly among younger women.

While the median age at diagnosis is 62, about 16% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50, per the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Elvia Gibbs makes up part of that startling statistic.

The McAllen resident was only 37 when she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer after noticing a tiny but suspicious lump during one of her monthly self-exams. While she’s now in remission, Gibbs is a passionate advocate for those facing the same battle.

“Cancer is not a death sentence and there’s no reason to fear the disease when there are options to catch it early and receive treatment. Had I not self-checked, had I not acted in urgency, I would not have had the outcome of being here today,” says Gibbs, who co-founded the Titi’s Tatas Foundation to help promote the importance of early detection. “I’m a testament that early detection saves lives and it’s so important for women to recognize the resources that are available to help them detect any sort of cancer or abnormalities early on.”

Gibbs joined fellow breast cancer warriors Elda Flores and Erika Galan in giving inspirational speeches about their personal battles with the disease during South Texas Health System’s Celebration of Strength & Hope luncheon at Casa de Palmas in McAllen on Monday, May 5. The event served as the launch for STHS’ Cinco de Mammo campaign, a monthlong initiative aimed at encouraging women in the Rio Grande Valley to prioritize their breast health by getting regular mammograms as directed by their physicians.

In addition to raising awareness about breast cancer screenings and highlighting the importance of early detection to help save lives, STHS’ Cinco de Mammo is aimed at helping Valley women take action by offering discounted screenings on 2D and 3D mammograms throughout the entire month of May.

“Mammograms are considered the gold standard when it comes to detecting breast cancer early, per the American College of Radiology,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “They can usually find lumps two or three years before you or your doctor can feel them, per health experts. It’s important to make getting a mammogram as cost-effective and accessible as possible, especially for those who don’t have insurance.”

Through May 31, STHS is offering a special cash price of 2D mammograms at $100, while the rate for a 3D mammogram is $155. The screenings are available at STHS McAllen, STHS Edinburg, STHS ER Mission and STHS ER Weslaco.

“During Cinco de Mammo, women can find support and encouragement to schedule their mammograms which are so important,” says Jessica Munguia, mammogram technologist, STHS ER Mission. “This is something you want to be proactive about because the sooner you detect any abnormality, the better the chance you have of overcoming the disease.”

For more information on Cinco de Mammo and the reduced cash price screenings, visit CincoDeMammo.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.