For many Valley women Promesa Salud has been a life-saver. A Project of Planned Parenthood, Cameron & Willacy County, “Promesa Salud”, has become for Valley women who have limited financial resources a vital means to acquire free screening for the early detection of Breast Cancer. Promesa Salud offers free breast screening mammograms and if needed, additional diagnostic services, such as diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, and surgical consultations when necessary, for women who meet eligibility requirements. The program is also supported by the Department of State Health Services, and the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations.

They have achieved substantial success with the project although it is only a few years in existence. For these diligent & driven individuals in the program, success is measured by the incidence of positive screens from the participants. They know that for many of these women, early detection will be a lifesaver. Last year out of 1400 screens they discovered 33 incidences of breast cancer, a very significant number consideringthe small population size. Many of these women, because of early detection, have been cured & frequently speak on behalf of the program to help raise needed funds so it can continue. One such event, sponsored by Ben’s Liquor of Brownsville, Padre Island & Harlingen was held at the South Padre Island Convention Center.

There I met Irma Salazar, a breast cancer survivor who attributes her opportunity of prolonged life to the early detection services at the program and thanks God for giving her the courage to participate. Irma (pictured above) contracted breast cancer. After a simple self administered breast exam she decided to seek medical advice & learned of the bewildering expenses needed for essential diagnostic procedures. Through her care givers, like Dr. Uvaldo Cantu of Harlingen, she learned of the program. Fortunately for Irma it was an early stage detection and she only required chemotherapy and radiation.

Studies confirm that a dramatic difference in survival rates can be achieved through early detection of breast cancer and that such efforts can actually reduce the need for more costly expenses associated with advanced disease. However, more funding is needed to screen for this disease that inflicts thousands of Valley women each year.

by Ralph Magaña

Proceeds from this event will benefit the men and women of our community for family planning services and breast and cervical cancer screenings. In the last year, our health programs – Promesa Salud - have diagnosed 33 breast and cervical cancer victims. Without our programs, these women would have never sought medical care and would have been a statistic rather than a success story. The majority of our patients are low income, uninsured/underinsured women.  We expect to see approximately 19,000 patients at our 4 health centers in Cameron & Willacy counties next year, some with subsidized care and some paying according to a reduced fee schedule. Your help can increase the number of patients we’re able to see.Contact for more information:  Terri Lievanos, Director of Community Affairs 956-546-4574, terri.lievanos@ppcwc.net