The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging preventive care and screenings for women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Women ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram once every two years, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
“We encourage all women to talk with their doctors about breast cancer screening because it can save your life,” said Faith Sandberg-Rodriguez, associate commissioner of Family Clinical Services for HHSC. “The idea that you or someone you know and love might have cancer is scary, but early detection means the disease is easier to treat. Living a healthy life post-cancer is possible.”
Last year an estimated 20,319 women in Texas were diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. An estimated 3,471 Texas women died from the disease, making it the second most common cause of cancer death for women in the state, outpaced only by lung cancer.
Routine breast cancer screenings are the best method to catch cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and survival rates are higher, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The HHSC Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program provides funding to clinics across the state for free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services such as clinical breast examinations, mammograms and breast biopsies to eligible women. The program also provides funding for cervical cancer screenings and treatment for precancerous cervical conditions. Last year, the program helped more than 32,000 women receive screenings and preventive services.
Uninsured and underinsured Texas women with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program. In addition, local clinics help eligible women apply for the Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer program to receive treatment through Medicaid benefits.
To learn more about the women’s health programs and services that HHSC offers, including eligibility information, visit healthytexaswomen.org or dial 2-1-1.
---
October 13
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
October 16
Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day
October 18
National Mammography Day
Friona FCCLA supported the Parmer County Cancer Coalition by selling “Pink Out” cookies at the football game last Friday night. Proceeds were donated to the coalition to help promote Breast Cancer Awareness. In the photo — (l-r) Thomas Cook, FCCLA member; Lily Abarca, Chapter President; Mayor Greg Lewellen, PCCC officer; and Emily Ibarra, Chapter Secretary.
Annual Meeting — Parmer County Farm Bureau is hosting its Annual Meeting and Dinner on Monday, October 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the Friona High School Cafeteria. A meal will be served and there will be a drawing for door prizes at the end of the meeting. Everyone is Invited.
* * *
Save The Date — Friona Junior High is hosting a Pancake Supper Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 22nd from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High Cafeteria. Tickets are $10 each and proceeds will go to the Student Activity Fund. Dine-in only. Tickets are available from 8th grade students or at the Jr. High office.
* * *
Farwell/Texico Bridge Meeting — The Texas and New Mexico Departments of Transportation invite local residents to attend a public meeting to view updated information on a proposed project to build an overpass at US 60/70/84 and the removal of surface railroad crossings in the cities of Farwell, TX and Texico, NM. The in-person public meeting includes a presentation and will be held in Texico, from 4:30—6:30 p.m., (MST) on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Texico Community Center, located at 211 N. Griffin Street, Texico, NM. The public is encouraged to attend, ask questions and provide feedback.
* * *
Don’t Forget — An informational meeting regarding the 4-H Clover Bud program is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15th at 6 p.m. at the Extension Office in Bovina.The 4-H Clover program is for children in kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is designed to be educational and would include 4-H-related learning experiences. The office is located at 301 Highway 60 which is across the highway south of Dollar General.
* * *
Coming Next Week — The election is just around the corner. In next week’s edition, The Friona Star will publish early voting information and a sample ballot.
* * *
Texas Facts — In 1900, as many as 8000 died in a hurricane, mostly around Galveston, Texas. It was the worst natural disaster in US history. Source: funworldfacts.com
* * *
National Days
October 10: Walk To A Park Day
October 11: Sausage Pizza Day
October 12: Farmer’s Day
October 13: Train Your Brain Day
October 14: Columbus Day
October 15: Pharmacy Technician Day
October 16: Fossil Day
* * *
