EDINBURG, Texas - On the eve of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Lisa Chapa, breast surgical oncologist at DHR Health, is encouraging women aged 40 and above to get their annual mammogram.
“I think the most important thing is to get your mammograms. And not just get your mammograms but talk to your family members and ask them if they've gotten their mammograms,” Dr. Chapa told the Rio Grande Guardian, in a video interview.
“Ask the women in your life. These really are life-saving tools. So, if you've already done yours, I would challenge women to talk to a friend, talk to a family member, and invite them to get theirs as well.”
Dr. Chapa is currently the only fellowship trained breast surgical oncologist south of San Antonio. After doing her general surgery training, she chose to specialize specifically in breast cancer surgery through a fellowship in New York City.
“When women have breast cancer surgery, there are two different kinds of surgeons that can do that surgery. One is a general surgeon, and one is a breast surgical oncologist,” she said. “I am a breast surgical oncologist.”
Asked why Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is promoted every October, is important, Dr. Chapa said:
“This is an important month because breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Last year, about 400,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s why we all know so many women in our families and our communities with breast cancer, because one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.”
Chapa said having one month dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness has paid dividends.
“Through the years, this advocacy has really improved our breast cancer detection rates and our breast cancer cure rates. The 1970s was the first time that we started making recommendations that women should get their annual mammograms. And since then, not only have we been able to see that, yes, we are doing a much, much better job at treating and curing breast cancer, but much more women are participating every year,” Chapa said.
“I think it has a lot to do with women are natural communicators, and so there's a lot more communication and awareness. But also, I think the vehicles through which we deliver information have become more accessible and efficient. So, through social media and the sharing of stories, articles, women are becoming more aware of this disease.”
The Rio Grande Valley has a higher percentage of residents without health insurance than the State of Texas as a whole. Chapa was asked what uninsured women can do.
“That's always a very difficult situation for a lot of my patients,” Chapa acknowledged. “One of the important ways that DHR advocates for our female patients is that they have a promotion every October for the $99 mammogram, which is a tremendous discount. This makes it a lot more affordable for women without insurance.”
Chapa said there are also foundations that can help patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
“In my clinic, I do have a lot of uninsured or underinsured patients. And so, what is important to know is that if you have a breast cancer diagnosis, there is emergency Medicaid for breast cancer patients. In our clinic, we will fill out the application for you to apply for emergency Medicaid so that the treatment of your breast cancer will be covered.”
Asked if there was anything else she would like to add, Chapa spoke about the Breast Center of Excellence accreditation DHR Health has had for the past seven-plus years.
“I think it's important that when you are looking for someone to help manage your breast cancer journey, that you understand that not all entities are created equal. So, we are the only Breast Center of Excellence south of San Antonio, here at DHR Health.”
Asked what a Breast Center of Excellence is, Chapa said:
“Sometimes people think it's just a name. But, in fact, it is an accreditation that is handed to us after meeting rigorous standards set by the American College of Surgeons. That’s a national organization that comes down and reviews our institution every two to three years to make sure that we are meeting the highest quality of standards, not just in breast surgery, but in radiation, in medical oncology, pathology, radiology, chemo, infusion, that our nurses are trained. We have to meet these rigorous standards. It's really difficult to do that. Not a lot of centers are able to achieve that, and we are the only one south of San Antonio.”
Because of this accreditation, Chapa added, her center receives patients from all over South Texas. “I have patients from Corpus, I have patients from Laredo, from Roma. I actually have quite a few patients from Eagle Pass. Because really, this is the only place where they can get that level of care.”
Editor's Note: Here is the Guardian's video interview with Dr. Chapa:
