LUBBOCK, Texas – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a nationwide reminder that early detection can save lives.
Every October, communities across the country wear pink to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and spread one vital message. Early detection saves lives.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Lubbock PD looking for vehicle that hit and killed 68-year-old man
From routine mammograms to self-exams, health experts continue to reminding people that regular screenings remain one of the most effective tools in catching breast cancer early when treatment options are more successful and survival rates are higher.
Guidelines for early detection:
All women: monthly breast self-exam
Women age 20 and older: clinical breast exam at annual physical
Women age 40 and older: yearly mammogram and clinical breast exam
Women at high risk for breast cancer: yearly MRI and mammogram
If you start to notice any of these changes listed above, contact your doctor.
In Lubbock and throughout the South Plains, health organizations are stepping up with free and low-cost screenings to help ensure that no woman delays the care she needs.
Below are programs that may offer free or reduced-cost breast cancer screening. Always call ahead to confirm criteria, availability, registration requirements and financial aid.
YWCA Lubbock Women’s Health Initiative
The YWCA’s Women’s Health Initiative provides financial assistance for breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured individuals. It supports mammograms, diagnostic mammograms and biopsies.
This program is the Healthy Texas Women Breast & Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) contractor for the South Plains.
Arrington Comprehensive Breast Center Covenant Health
Covenant’s Arrington Breast Center offers screening mammography and has a financial assistance program for eligible patients.
Lubbock County Indigent Health Care & Sliding-Scale Clinics
Lubbock County’s Indigent Health Care Program may help offset medical costs for residents who qualify. Click here for more information.
Many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and clinics in the county use sliding scale fees (i.e., payments based on income).Click here to learn more about the Texas Cancer sliding scale programs.
The Free Clinic / Lubbock Impact Women’s Health Day Events
The Free Clinic hosts “Women’s Health Day” events offering free breast and pelvic exams, mammogram referrals, pap smears and other services to uninsured women aged 18–64. This event is by appointment only any woman interested in attending to call 806-370-7472 in order to make the appointment.