Take Charge of Your Health During Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Early Detection of Breast Cancer Makes Treatment More Effective
10/7/2025
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and now is the time to focus on lifestyle and risk factors associated with breast cancer, as well the importance of breast cancer screening. Mammogram screenings are the best way for women to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before there are symptoms. However, according to the CDC, at least 25% of women ages 50-74 have not been screened for breast cancer in the past two years.
DeTar offers flexibility in scheduling mammography appointments either in October or anytime of the year at the DeTar Imaging Center located on the DeTar North campus. For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk. Those interested in scheduling their mammogram can schedule online at detar.com/mammogram or call 361-788-6141.
“The first step is for women to review the guidelines for breast cancer screening, and understand if there are any factors such as a family history of breast cancer that puts them at higher risk,” said Sara Ashraf, M.D., oncologist with DeTar Cancer Center. “Whether starting at age 40 or earlier, a screening mammogram is one of the most important ways that women can take care of their health. The goal is to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages when it is easier to treat and before a tumor is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.”
In Texas, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – at double the rate of lung cancer, the next most common cancer, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Across the United States, 279,731 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2022, the most recent year data is available.
Women with family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. However, Dr. Ashraf says many patients develop breast cancer without substantial risk factors, which is why mammograms are so important.
“About half of all breast cancer diagnoses occur in women with no risk factors other than being female and getting older,” said Dr. Ashraf. “That is why creating awareness and educating women about the benefits of mammography is critical. This is a disease that has a 99% survival right if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body, which is why we urge all women to adhere to screening guidelines.”
Dr. Ashraf added that certain lifestyle factors, like maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and limiting alcohol use can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Most health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms every 1 to 2 years for women beginning at age 40 with no out-of-pocket cost (like a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance).
DeTar offers digital mammograms as well as 3D mammograms, utilizing imaging technology that may detect breast cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment can be most effective. The combination of caring technologists and imaging technology allows us to deliver quality care.
Digital Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray exam of the breasts used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. DeTar Healthcare System offers digital imaging technology for mammograms. With digital technology, radiologists can zoom in on particular areas or change brightness or contrast for even greater visibility, and results can be read immediately. It offers numerous benefits to women, including:
- Improved accuracy of screening exams, especially for women with dense breast tissue
- Less radiation exposure
- Greater image quality, reducing the need for repeat exams.
3D Mammography
DeTar Healthcare System also offers 3D mammography. 3D mammograms provide improved visibility of breast tissue which may:
- Increase early detection of invasive cancers compared to 2D digital mammography alone
- Decrease the need for "call back" or a second look
Low X-ray energy is used during the screening so radiation exposure is below the FDA guidelines and is the equivalent to current 2D mammograms.
To schedule a mammogram online, please visit detar.com/digital-mammography-services or call 361-788-6141. Or, to find a primary care doctor, visit mydetardoctor.com.
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