Fiesta De Los Mammos: Fun and preventative health for women

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Here's a fun list: munchies, margaritas, massages and music. But there is one more very important "M" and that's mammograms.
All of those will be part of the first "Fiesta De Los Mammos" held in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is happening Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Radiology Associates located at 5742 Spohn Drive.
It's a fun way to get women to come out and get their annual screening.
"Radiology Associates -- during breast cancer awareness -- wanted to encourage women to come out and get their annual mammograms. Just because it is so important to self-check and early detection is key," Radiology Associates Marketing Director Jeannie Anthony said.
Three out of four women who died from breast cancer didn't have a regular screening mammogram according to Radiology Associates.
Anthony said it is important for women 40 and older to get a mammogram, since breast cancer occurrences increase with age.
She said they only offer 3D mammograms because they believe in the advanced technology.
"2D is much like a book where you see the front cover and the back cover," Anthony said. "3D you can actually see the pages. It gives you tiny slices of the image and it compiles an image so it's easier to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages."
Radiology Associates Physician Mailan Cao said they are able to diagnose breast cancer very early these days.
Cao -- who specializes in breast imaging -- said she has a message for women who are hesitant to get a mammogram.
"They are worried that it may hurt," Cao said. "We at Radiology Associates really place the patient's comfort first and foremost."
3D mammograms are covered by most insurances. Cao said the latest technology is able to pinpoint the smallest types of breast cancers.
If you do not have insurance, self pay for the screening will be $79.
Those interested can call 887-7000 to schedule an appointment. Doctors orders are required.