If your last mammogram was more than a year ago, October is a good time to get it back on your calendar.
Through its Wellness Mammogram Initiative, University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) is making breast cancer screening easier for women in the Borderland. Women 40 and older whose last mammogram was before Nov. 1, 2025, can schedule a screening mammogram through UMC without a physician’s order. The initiative runs through Oct. 31.
No physician’s order required
One of the simplest parts of the initiative is also one of the most practical. Eligible women do not need to get a physician’s order before scheduling their screening.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 915-200-2662. Mammograms are available at four UMC locations: UMC Main Campus, UMC West Clinic, UMC East Clinic and UMC Northeast Clinic.
The initiative is intended for routine screening. If you have noticed a lump, breast pain, nipple changes or another unusual change, contact your healthcare provider rather than waiting for a routine screening appointment.
What a mammogram can find
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect abnormal tissue, including some breast cancers, before symptoms appear. The National Cancer Institute notes that finding breast cancer through screening before symptoms develop may allow treatment to begin earlier.
For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms every other year from ages 40 through 74. Screening recommendations can be different for people with a higher risk of breast cancer, so it is important to discuss your personal and family history with your healthcare provider.
What to expect at your appointment
During a mammogram, each breast is positioned between two plates so X-ray images can be taken from different angles. The compression lasts only a short time, although some people may find it uncomfortable.
The NCI recommends avoiding deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, lotion, cream, or perfume around the breasts and underarms on the day of the mammogram because these products can appear on the images. If you have had mammograms at another facility, bringing those records or making sure they are available for comparison can also help your care team.
What will it cost?
The Wellness Mammogram Initiative is designed to make screening more accessible.
Mammogram screenings and readings are covered by most insurance plans. For women who are self-pay or uninsured, the screening is available for $50 through the initiative.
If you have questions about insurance coverage or whether you qualify, UMC can provide more information when you call to schedule.
Put the appointment on the calendar
A mammogram is a routine screening, which means you do not have to wait until you notice a problem to schedule one. The National Cancer Institute notes that screening is intended to find breast cancer before symptoms appear.
If you are 40 or older and your last mammogram was before Nov. 1, 2025, UMC’s Wellness Mammogram Initiative offers a straightforward way to get your next screening scheduled before the Oct. 31 deadline.
Call 915-200-2662 to schedule your mammogram.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At UMC, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
