Fall 2026 3 For nearly three decades, Josie Ingram has been faithfully getting routine mammograms every January. In 2020, that strategy paid off when her screening revealed a stage I tumor in her left breast. “It was a blessing, because they caught it early,” says Josie, who works in Texas Health Huguley Hospital’s billing department. Routine screening mammograms can detect breast cancer early, while it’s still contained within the breast. That’s when treatment is most likely to be successful. After being informed about her choices, Josie underwent a mastectomy performed by breast surgical oncologist Adewuni Seyi Ojo, MD. She was able to go home the next day and needed no further cancer treatment. Josie’s recovery included physical therapy for lymphedema (arm swelling) and shoulder pain and stiffness after her breast surgery. Three months later, she returned to work, grateful for the whole-person care and support she received from Dr. Ojo; Vinaya Potluri, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist; and many other team members. And, as you might expect, she’s still getting routine mammograms and championing them. “I always tell my family that early detection is key,” she says. If you need to remind yourself when you’re due for a screening, try scheduling yours during your birthday month, Josie suggests. The early detection message isn’t only important to share during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “It’s not something that happens every October,” Josie says. “Breast cancer is every day.” Know your risk Risks you can’t control ● Biological sex. Breast cancer is more common in women. ● Age. Risk goes up with age. ● Genes. Up to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. ● Ethnicity. African American women under 40 and white women are at higher risk. ● Family history. If a close relative has breast cancer, your risk almost doubles. ● Breast density. Dense breast tissue raises risk. ● Menstrual history. Starting early or going through menopause late raises risk. Risks you can change ● Alcohol use. Drinking increases your risk. ● Weight. Being overweight increases your risk. ● Activity. Regular exercise can reduce your risk. ● Pregnancy. Having many pregnancies and getting pregnant at a younger age reduces risk. ● Breastfeeding. It may lower risk, especially if it’s for a year or more. ● Hormonal birth control use. It may increase risk. Screening is key Learn about mammograms and more at TexasHealthHuguley.org/Women. Screening caught Josie’s breast cancer early Josie Ingram (left) with her aunt, who at age 90 is a breast cancer survivor and a hero to Josie.
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