Mega Doctor News
Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
An estimated 321,910 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society, and more than 42,000 are expected to lose their lives to the disease.
While those numbers remain concerning, early detection significantly improves outcomes, underscoring the importance of routine screenings, education and access to care.
“Breast cancer touches nearly every family and every community in some way,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations for South Texas Health System (STHS). “That’s why our Think Pink campaign is about more than awareness. It’s about empowering women with information, encouraging preventive screenings and creating a visible show of support for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. When our community comes together, we can help save lives through education and early detection.”
To launch its annual Think Pink initiative, STHS will host its sixth annual Think Pink Parade on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at STHS McAllen.
The event will bring together breast cancer survivors, supporters, healthcare professionals, first responders, local organizations and community members in a colorful celebration of hope, resilience and awareness.
Known for its sea of pink-themed vehicles, the parade will once again transform the hospital campus into a vibrant display of encouragement and solidarity for those currently undergoing treatment, those who have overcome the disease and the loved ones remembered during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Community members are invited to decorate their cars, trucks, motorcycles and emergency vehicles in shades of pink and participate in the parade route through the hospital’s main parking lot. Onsite vehicle decorating will take place from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., with the parade beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Awards will be presented to the top entries in several categories, including First Responders, Community/Car Club and STHS Staff. Participation is free and open to the public.
Following the parade, attendees can enjoy a special program featuring inspiring stories from local breast cancer survivors. Community organizations and STHS departments will also provide educational resources, information about available services and complimentary health screenings.
“The stories shared at the Think Pink Parade remind us why early detection matters,” says Castañeda. “Every survivor’s journey is unique, but many share a common message: don’t delay screening. Through this event and our month-long Think Pink activities, we hope to encourage women throughout the Valley to make their breast health a priority and take advantage of the screening opportunities available in our community.”
The Think Pink initiative will continue throughout October with Mammo Mondays, a series of special events designed to educate women about breast health and expand awareness of mammography services available through South Texas Health System facilities across the Valley.
The Mammo Mondays schedule is as follows:
October 5 | South Texas Health System ER Weslaco | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
October 12 | South Texas Health System Edinburg | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
October 19 | South Texas Health System McAllen | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
October 26 | South Texas Health System ER Mission | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Throughout October, South Texas Health System will also offer special self-pay pricing of $100 for 2D mammograms, $155 for 3D mammograms and $155 for bone density screenings.
For more information about the Think Pink Parade, visit the STHS Facebook Events page or contact the STHS Marketing Department at (956) 388-2033 or STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.
To schedule a mammogram or learn more about special Breast Cancer Awareness Month pricing, visit the STHS Think Pink webpage or call the STHS pre-registration line at (956) 388-2190.
| Who: | South Texas Health System |
| What: | Think Pink Parade |
| When: | Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Decorate your car from 8 – 9:30 a.m. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. |
| Where: | South Texas Health System McAllen Main Parking Lot 301 W Expressway 83 McAllen, TX 78503 |
