Valley doctor highlights early detection during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

HARLINGEN – Early detection.

Early detection, early detection, early detection …

The only way to prevent death from breast cancer or enduring a complete mastectomy is regular self-examination and regular screenings, and there are more ways than ever to get screened.

“There are a lot more screening programs out there, and more hospitals are aware,” said Dr. Vijian Dhevan, a general surgeon who is affiliated with multiple local hospitals, including Harlingen Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Center.

“I think we’re doing a better job of getting women screened,” Dhevan said. “There’s more word out there, there is more awareness of breast cancer.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is a time when organizations everywhere call attention to the raw realities of this condition that is the second leading cause of death in women. While October is the month set aside for special recognition of this health matter, the need for awareness, and vigilance, is every day.

“Early detection means less surgery with possibly no chemotherapy and the ability to preserve the breast,” Dhevan said. “Both males and females need to be aware and start with monthly self breast exams.”

But self examination is only one level of a layered approach to breast health. Regular mammograms are also important to check for any irregularities in the breast tissue. That’s why the Raymondville Independent School District is offering free 3D mammograms to district employees on Saturday and Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The service is being provided through a partnership with Baaxten Imaging Center in Harlingen, said Benjamin Clinton, deputy superintendent.

“At Raymondville ISD, 70% of our teachers are women, and it’s crucial that we prioritize their health and well-being,” Clinton said.

Breast cancer survivors praised the Raymondville district for offering the new service.

“Catching a health issue early really gives you a fighting chance,” said Andrea Mungia, a retired curriculum director and 12-year breast cancer survivor.

“When you know what you’re up against sooner you can plan, prepare and take action with hope,” Mungia said. “I’m living proof that getting screened can truly make a difference in your life.”

When Dhevan began practicing here in 2015, he observed an exceptionally high rate of advanced stage breast cancer.

“One thing I stressed when I got here is early detection,” he said. “If we detect earlier, the treat regimen is a lot more truncated at the outset”

Truncated means shorter duration.

And now?

“I think we see a lot more cancers at the early stages than we were before when I was seeing a lot more advanced stages,” he said. “I still do see a lot of women coming in here with stage three and stage four breast cancer that I shouldn’t be seeing. I used to see those once in a while when I was in West Texas and Illinois. Here I am seeing too high a number.”

The possible reasons for this are many.

“Sometimes people are just afraid,” Dhevan said. “They want to sweep it under the rug, out of sight, out of mind. If I don’t think of it, I don’t have to deal with it.”

Others, he observed, simply want to diminish the gravity of the matter.

“You know what? This is nothing much. I’ll take care of it next month.”

But cancer doesn’t wait around. It strikes when it chooses too.

In practical terms, though, some have limited economic means that deters them from seeking help. They have insurance issues, they live from paycheck to paycheck.

“A number of years ago we had this program with Valley Baptist and Su Clinica,” Dhevan said. “We had some underfunded patients, they would try to get them in and get tested. Valley Baptist has restarted that program since I came back because it’s such a good program.”

Dhevan pointed out that women also feel that a breast cancer diagnosis automatically means they will lose their breast. Not so, Dhevan said. In the earlier stages Dhevan can easily remove the malignant tissue and do some simple plastic surgery so no one can even see the incision.

“But if they wait too long, then there is nothing to save,” he said. “They have a whole cauliflower of cancer and there is nothing I can do.”