Breast Cancer Education, Screening and Navigation Program (BEST)

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women and is the most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women in the U.S.

Screening for breast cancer is highly recommended.

In 2021, about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and about 43,600 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 is comprised of an educational session and no-cost cancer screening and diagnostic testing.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible participants must be women between the ages of 50 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 two Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grants since 2013. The program covers 105 West Texas counties, including El Paso and Hudspeth counties.

Program Outcomes
Mammograms Completed	4,130	Completion Rate	84%
Mammograms Scheduled	4,900
Diagnostics Completed	1,420	Completion Rate	88%