October Breast Cancer Awareness Month Highlights Importance of Early Detection in Maverick County
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating women about the disease, encouraging regular screenings and recognizing those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.
The annual observance carries particular importance in Maverick County, where the most recent available federal cancer statistics show approximately 30 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during an average year.
Data published through the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Profiles show Maverick County with an age-adjusted invasive breast cancer incidence rate of 106.5 cases per 100,000 women.
Of particular concern is the percentage of cancers not discovered until they have reached a later stage.
Approximately 38 percent of breast cancer cases in Maverick County were diagnosed at a late stage, compared with 33.1 percent across Texas.
The county averages approximately 11 late-stage breast cancer diagnoses annually.
The statistics reinforce the importance of women speaking with their healthcare providers about when and how often they should be screened. Detecting breast cancer early can provide patients with more treatment options and improve their chances of a successful outcome.
Financial hardship or a lack of health insurance does not necessarily have to prevent women from receiving potentially lifesaving screening services.
Women in Eagle Pass and the surrounding area have access to Breast and Cervical Cancer Services, commonly known as BCCS, through the Maverick County Hospital District and United Medical Centers.
The Maverick County Hospital District’s BCCS program provides screening services to eligible women and works to reduce the financial barriers that can prevent patients from obtaining preventive care, diagnostic testing and follow-up treatment.
Available services can include clinical breast examinations, screening mammograms and follow-up appointments.
When additional testing is medically necessary, eligible patients may also receive diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and biopsies.
United Medical Centers operates another BCCS program serving women in Maverick County and across its broader regional service area.
Through the program, eligible women who are uninsured or underinsured may receive breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services at no cost.
Those services can include clinical breast examinations, mammograms and additional testing when medically necessary.
Having programs available through both MCHD and UMC gives local women additional opportunities to receive preventive care and follow-up services regardless of their financial circumstances.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is widely recognized through pink ribbons, community activities and messages of support for patients and survivors.
However, the local statistics show why the observance must also lead to action.
Women are encouraged to learn about their personal risk factors, pay attention to changes in their breasts and discuss appropriate screenings with a qualified healthcare provider.
With approximately 38 percent of Maverick County cases diagnosed at a late stage, scheduling a screening or encouraging a loved one to do so could make a lifesaving difference.
