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 2014, an estimated 300,000 individuals will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and about 40,000 will die from the disease.

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	2,790	Completion Rate	83%
Mammograms Scheduled	3,365
Diagnostics Completed	940	Completion Rate	82%
Diagnostics Scheduled	1,150