New breast imaging center opens in Corpus Christi, aiming to reduce barriers to care

Corpus Christi Medical Center and Solis Mammography open a new breast imaging center offering 3D mammograms, with added support services for patients

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —  A new breast imaging center in Corpus Christi is aiming to make breast cancer screenings more accessible — and more comfortable — for women across the Coastal Bend.

Corpus Christi Medical Center has partnered with Solis Mammography to open the facility, which is now accepting new patients and offering services including 3D mammography, breast ultrasounds and biopsies.

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City leaders say the center is a significant step forward in expanding access to potentially life-saving screenings in a region that lags slightly behind the national average.

“People are going to have more access to an exam that is extremely important for women. So this is a huge milestone,” said Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo.

Health experts stress that early detection remains critical, noting that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

“We want to make sure that we are using the tools that we have today to be able to identify those cancers early,” said Carol Kirton, Vice President of Operations for Solis Mammography. “If there’s advice to any women out there, it’s to get your annual screening … because they really can save your life.”

Hospital leaders say the new center could also help reduce the number of patients who leave the Coastal Bend for care.

“About 27% of the patients seek cancer care outside of the community … not because we don’t have great oncologists, but because there are other drivers,” said David Irizarry, Corpus Christi Medical Center CEO. 

Those barriers often include cost, transportation and time away from work — challenges that can impact entire families.

“It affects the family immediately,” said Cindy Herrera with The Pink Connection. “Caregivers are missing time at work while helping loved ones get to appointments.”

To help address one of the most common concerns about screenings, officials say the new center features curved mammography machines designed to reduce pain and discomfort — a factor that can sometimes cause women to delay exams.

The Pink Connection is also encouraging women in the Coastal Bend battling breast cancer to reach out for assistance. The nonprofit provides support for expenses such as travel, medical bills, groceries and utilities, and does not require proof of financial need.

Leaders say the goal is to remove as many barriers as possible — keeping care close to home and encouraging more women to get screened early, when treatment is most effective.