October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-specific death among Texas women
By Dr. Monica Juarez-Gonzalez, WellMed at Oak Cliff
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death among Texas women and the leading cause of cancer-specific death among Texas women. It accounts for 31 percent of all new female cancer cases each year. An estimated 24,258 Texas women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026 and an estimate 3,840 are expected to die from breast cancer this year.
While it primarily affects women, about one percent of cases occur in men. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's important to understand your risk, recognize potential symptoms and stay current with recommended screenings.
Mammograms, x-rays of the breast, are especially important because they may detect breast cancer when there are no apparent symptoms. When symptoms of breast cancer develop, they may include:
- New lump in breast or underarm (armpit)
- Changes in size or shape of breast
- Thickening or swelling in parts of the breast
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
- Pain in any area of the breast
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flakiness in nipple area or breast
For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years beginning at age 40 through age 74. Those with a family history or other risk factors may need earlier or more frequent screening.
Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. It is a good idea to talk with a doctor about potential benefits and risk factors that come with various types of screenings such as mammograms.
Find a Health Center is a helpful tool for finding local mammography centers. Check to see that the imaging facility you choose is certified and accepts your insurance. Many organizations offer free mammograms and breast screenings.
The health and medical professionals at WellMed advise talking with your doctor to discuss health history, recommended preventive screenings and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a timely reminder that staying informed and prioritizing routine screenings can play an important role in protecting your health.
Monica Juarez-Gonzalez, DO, practices family medicine with WellMed at Oak Cliff. She is board-certified by ABFM and uses a holistic care approach. Her grandfather inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. Watching him positively impact the lives of others as a "Curandero" encouraged her to follow in his footsteps. Dr. Juarez-Gonzalez believes in getting to know her patients' social, emotional and spiritual lives and physical conditions to fully understand their health state. She is drawn to family medicine because she can provide quality continuity of care across the life spectrum. She strongly believes in treating everyone with kindness, respect and dignity. She also believes in extending care to the less fortunate through yearly mission trips. Following medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Dr. Juarez-Gonzalez completed her residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
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