Mega Doctor News
In the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, making it the second leading cause of cancer related death among women.
While advances in screening and treatment have helped reduce breast cancer mortality, the number of new diagnoses continues to rise.
According to national estimates, nearly 321,910 U.S. women are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and an estimated 42,140 to 42,670 U.S. women are expected to die from the disease in 2026.
Early detection is critical to improving survival, as it increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Mammograms, noninvasive X-rays that detect breast abnormalities, remain the most effective screening tool for identifying breast cancer early, allowing for timely intervention before the disease spreads and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
“A breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but early detection can make a big difference,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System (STHS). “When breast cancer is found early, treatment is often more effective and outcomes are far more hopeful. Mammograms give women a powerful opportunity to take care of themselves by detecting cancer long before symptoms appear, making routine screenings an essential act of selfcare and protection for women’s health.”
This May, STHS will shine a spotlight on breast cancer awareness and the lifesaving importance of early detection through its annual Cinco de Mammo initiative. Throughout the month, STHS will encourage women across the Rio Grande Valley to talk with their healthcare providers about their individual breast cancer risk and to schedule routine mammograms as recommended, empowering them to take an important step toward protecting their health.
In addition, STHS McAllen, STHS Edinburg, STHS ER Mission and STHS ER Weslaco will offer mammograms and bone density screenings at reduced cashpay rates through May 31, 2025. Discounted pricing includes $100 for a 2D digital mammogram, $155 for a 3D digital mammogram, and $160 for a bone density (DEXA) screening, helping make preventive care more accessible to the community.
Beyond the discounted screenings, Mammo Mondays will be hosted at each participating facility on designated dates throughout the month. During these events, Rio Grande Valley residents will have the opportunity to speak directly with facility staff about breast cancer screening options, including cash pay pricing for mammograms—while enjoying complimentary light food and refreshments at each location on its scheduled day.
| • May 4 – STHS ER Weslaco |
| • May 11 – STHS McAllen |
| • May 18 – STHS ER Mission |
| • May 25 – STHS Edinburg |
Walkin appointments are welcome; however, preregistration is strongly encouraged. For questions or to preregister, please call the STHS preregistration line at 9563882190.
For more information about Cinco de Mammo and the reduced cashpay screenings available throughout May,
visit CincoDeMammo.com.
