Health & Science

For Harris County residents who have been putting off a breast exam because of cost, access or simply the demands of everyday life, October brings an opportunity to get checked without the added worry of paying for the initial screening.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Harris County Public Health is offering free clinical breast exams throughout October at all HCPH clinics and mobile units. The effort is intended to make early breast cancer detection more accessible while helping residents connect with additional screening when it is medically appropriate.

For families across the Houston area and Harris County, the message behind the initiative is straightforward: finding breast cancer earlier can make a meaningful difference, and knowing when to get screened is an important part of preventive health care.

Free Breast Exams Available Across Harris County

Residents who receive a free clinical breast exam through HCPH will be evaluated by a medical provider. If that provider determines a mammogram is needed, the patient will receive a referral along with one-on-one assistance from a patient navigator to help schedule the mammogram.

That additional support can be important for people who might otherwise face difficulty figuring out where to go or how to arrange follow-up care.

Residents can find the nearest Harris County Public Health clinic at hcphtx.org/healthservices or call 832-927-7350 to schedule a screening. HCPH also provides low-cost or free health services throughout the year, including checkups, breast exams and mammogram referrals.

Why Early Breast Cancer Detection Matters

Breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HCPH noted that about one in eight U.S. women will be affected by breast cancer and that most cases are diagnosed among women 50 and older, although younger women can also develop the disease.

Health disparities remain an important part of the conversation as well. Black women have a higher breast cancer death rate than white women, making access to screening, follow-up care and early detection particularly important in communities where barriers to health care may persist.

Mammograms use X-rays to look for signs of breast cancer and are an important tool for detecting the disease early. HCPH encourages residents to talk with their health care providers about when breast cancer screening is appropriate based on age, individual risk factors and medical history.

Clinical breast exams and awareness of changes in the breast or chest can also help identify concerns that warrant further evaluation.

Breast Cancer Can Affect People of Different Genders

Although breast cancer is far more common among women, it can also occur in men and affect transgender and non-binary people.

HCPH cited an American Cancer Society estimate that approximately 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, with about 530 expected to die from the disease. The agency also noted that stigma and a lack of awareness can create additional barriers to detection and treatment.

That makes knowing potential breast cancer symptoms important regardless of gender.

For women, warning signs can include a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in the size or shape of a breast, pain in the breast or nipple discharge that is not breast milk, including bloody discharge.

For men, possible signs can include a lump or swelling in the chest, red or flaky skin, dimpling or irritation of the skin, nipple discharge, a nipple pulling inward or pain around the nipple.

These changes do not automatically mean someone has cancer, since other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms. Anyone who notices a new or unusual change should contact a doctor or health care provider for an evaluation rather than waiting for a routine screening.

How Harris County Residents Can Get Screened

During October, Harris County residents seeking a free breast exam can visit an HCPH clinic or mobile unit. Those who need a mammogram based on their clinical exam will receive a referral and help scheduling the next step.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month effort also serves as a reminder that preventive care does not have to begin only when something feels wrong. For residents who are due for screening, have questions about their breast cancer risk or have noticed a change, a conversation with a health care provider can help determine what comes next.

Residents can call 832-927-7350 to schedule a screening or visit hcphtx.org to locate a Harris County Public Health clinic and learn more about available health services.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional Harris County health resources, community programs and local updates.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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