Breast Cancer Education, Screening and Navigation Program (BEST)

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States. It is the 2nd leading cause of death from cancer among women.

Screening for breast cancer is highly recommended.

In 2026, about 321,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and about 42,140 women will die from breast cancer.

However, screening rates remain low, especially among Hispanics and low socioeconomic groups.

Overview of Program

The BEST program was developed to reduce the breast cancer burden among uninsured/underinsured Hispanic women. This program components include evidence-based interventions, education, navigation, and no-cost breast cancer screening and diagnostic testing.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible participants must be women between the ages of 40 and 75 who are uninsured/underinsured and not up-to-date with breast cancer screening, and have a Texas address. Exclusion criteria include a past history of breast cancer.

Funding

This program has been funded by four Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grants since 2013. The program covers 105 West Texas counties, including El Paso and West Texas counties

Program Outcomes

Service	Completed	Scheduled	Completion Rate
Mammograms	4,130	4,900	84%
Diagnostics	1,420	Not provided	88%