Pink Power Comes to La Feria

“Mammos On The Move”

You couldn’t miss it: The imposing, bright, pink mobile mammography unit sat up shop at four La Feria school campuses last week to provide on-site early detection of breast cancer. Hundreds of local women took advantage of the opportunity. They also got a step-by-step guide to breast self-examination by medical professionals.

Hostess Cindy Garcia was in charge of the program as they stopped for several hours on the parking lots of David Sanchez Elementary School, Noemi Dominguez Elementary School, Sam Houston Pre-K, and La Feria High School. The message was the same: “The best protection is early detection.”

One of the local ladies who came for the service, Marta Ruiz, said, “We really appreciate what this organization is doing by bringing the x-ray equipment here. We don’t have to make an appointment is some other town. It is really convenient.”

Breast Cancer is one of the major diseases affecting the health and lives of millions of women throughout the state and the country. For that reason, Mobile Mammography contracted with the Desert Imaging Company from El Paso to

cover the state. According to Jaime Fernandez, mobile unit driver for the sponsoring company, “We are setting up a system here in the Lower Valley region of Texas. The Region stretches from Laredo to Brownsville. “We’ll be going next to Hebbronville and Alpine in West Texas,” he said as they headed out from the La Feria High School parking lot.

Hostess Cindy Garcia gave a health package to each of the visiting ladies and explained the proper way to do a breast self-examination: (1) In the shower, put one hand behind your head, and with the finger pads of your three middle fingers, move your hand over the entire breast area. Use the right hand for the left breast, the left hand for the right breast. Then, examine each underarm with the arm only slightly raised. “You are checking for lumps, knots or thickenings,” she said as she stressed the importance of this simple procedure.

The ladies were next instructed to use the same technique while (2) lying down, and (3) before a mirror. They are instructed to check for changes in the shape, size, or skin textures of the breasts. Also check the nipples for any changes, including, any unusual discharge.

That is the recommended, step-by-step guide to Breast Self-Examination, and should be part of a woman’s regular health regimen in collaboration with her regular healthcare professional.

Stephanie Sanchez is the Mammography Coordinator for Mammos On The Move in the Valley. If you have questions about breast cancer or the next visit by the Mobile Mammography unit, call her at (956) 970-1026 or Fax 877-777-6809.