When was your last mammogram? If you’re thinking “I should probably get one” or “I keep meaning to schedule that,” October is your month.
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and communities across Texas are rolling out free screenings, health fairs, and resources to help you take charge of your health. No insurance cards. No copays. No excuses.
Why This Matters Right Now
Every two minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime—which means you probably know someone who’s been affected by this disease.
Here’s the encouraging part: When breast cancer is caught early and localized, the five-year survival rate is 99%. Early detection isn’t just important—it can save your life.
In Texas specifically, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women, accounting for about 30% of all new female cancer cases in 2024. An estimated 21,083 Texas women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and about 3,535 will die from the disease.
The good news? The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Texas is 91%—but that depends on catching it early through regular screenings.
Free Breast Cancer Screening Events Across Texas
Arlington Health Fair
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center St., Arlington
City Council Representative Nikkie Hunter’s 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair offers:
- Free mammograms
- Well woman exams
- Prostate screenings
- Flu vaccines
- Vendor resources and educational information
Important: Registration required. Visit the Arlington city website or contact City Council District 3 office.
Houston Grace Walk & Health Fair
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: James Driver All-Inclusive Park, 10918 Bentley Street, Houston
Hosted by Hearts of Grace Foundation and Houston Millennials, featuring:
- Free health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, breast health education)
- Symbolic walk with survivors and supporters
- Live DJ, wellness demos (yoga, Zumba)
- Guest speakers including cancer researchers from MD Anderson
- Raffles, photobooth, family activities
RSVP: CancerSucks.Eventbrite.com
Contact: Perla Rodriguez, 832-576-0413
Texas Health Mobile Mammogram Van
Free mobile mammograms coming to neighborhoods across North Texas throughout October:
- October 11: Pink Diamonds Health Fair, 206 James Collins Blvd., Duncanville
- October 13: Metrocrest, 1145 N Josey Ln., Carrollton
- October 15: Los Barrios Unidos, 4732 W Illinois Ave., Dallas
- October 17: 4 Saints Food Pantry, 2529 Mount View Ave., Fort Worth
- October 17: Toyota Rockwall, 1250 E Interstate 30, Rockwall
- October 18: Avenue F Church of Christ, 1026 F Ave., Plano
- October 22: Our Lady of Guadalupe, 4100 Blue Mound Rd., Fort Worth
- October 24: Center for Transforming Lives, 3001 S Riverside Dr., Fort Worth
- October 25: Binational Health Fair, 4849 W Illinois Ave., Dallas
- October 25: Beacon Recreation Center, 1100 Mansfield Webb Rd., Arlington
- October 29: Los Barrios Unidos, 809 Singleton Blvd., Dallas
South Texas Health System “Think Pink”
Multiple locations in the Rio Grande Valley offering special discounted mammogram rates through October 31, 2025:
- South Texas Health System McAllen, 301 W. Expressway 83
- Mission location, 900 E. Expressway
- Edinburg location, 1102 W. Trenton Rd.
- Weslaco location, 330 W. Expressway
Visit southtexashealthsystem.com/think-pink for details and appointments.
Why You Should Go
Maybe you’ve been putting off your annual mammogram because you’re busy. Maybe you don’t have insurance. Maybe you keep thinking “I’ll do it next month.”
Here’s the thing: About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, when the cancer is easiest to treat. That happens because women get screened regularly, even when they feel fine.
Women who receive regular breast cancer screenings have a 26% lower breast cancer death rate than women who don’t get screened.
This October, you can get your screening done in your own community, surrounded by neighbors and local health professionals who want to help you stay healthy.
Year-Round Free Screening Programs
Can’t make it to any October events? Texas has ongoing programs that offer free or low-cost screenings year-round:
Project VALET (Providing Valuable Area Life-Saving Exams in Town) Free mobile mammograms for uninsured women ages 40-74 at participating clinics across Texas. The program brings mammography directly to communities and provides follow-up diagnostic testing if needed.
- Contact: Vanessa Quevedo, [email protected]
- More info: texascancer.info/breast
Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) Free screenings for eligible Texas women 18+ who are uninsured or underinsured. Services include mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests, and diagnostic follow-up.
- Call 2-1-1 to find a provider
- Visit: HealthyTexasWomen.org
The Rose (Houston Area) Breast cancer services including screening and imaging for women regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Has served more than 500,000 women since 1986.
- Locations: Houston (12700 N. Featherwood, Suite 260) and Bellaire (6575 West Loop South, Suite 275)
- Mobile units available
- Visit: therose.org
Beyond Breast Cancer
While October focuses on breast cancer awareness, many of these health fairs recognize that wellness screening shouldn’t stop there. That’s why several events also offer prostate screenings for men, flu vaccines for everyone, and education about other cancers.
In Texas, cancer is the second leading cause of death, with an estimated 48,335 cancer deaths expected in 2024. But many of these cancers—including breast cancer—are most treatable when caught early.
Make This the Month You Take Action
You know that little voice in your head that says you should probably schedule a mammogram? Listen to it this October.
Pick an event near you. Block out a few hours. Bring your mom, your sister, your best friend. Make it a group outing for health.
Because the statistics say someone you know will face breast cancer at some point—and early detection could save their life.
The events are free. The screenings are available. Your community is ready to help.
All you have to do is show up.
We do our best to get every detail right, but sometimes things slip through. Event times change, prices update, details shift faster than we can keep up. Quick reminder: Always double-check the important stuff before you head out! Call venues, verify dates, and check official websites for the latest updates. Thanks for helping us get it right – when you keep us honest, everybody wins!
