The Importance of Early Screening and Regular Checkups: A Rise in Cancer in Young Women

Cancer rates among young women are rising at an alarming rate. According to a report in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, middle-aged women now face a slightly higher cancer risk than men, and young women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed as their male counterparts. Breast and thyroid cancers are the primary drivers of this troubling trend.

Early detection is critical. Regular screenings and checkups can catch cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. Legacy Community Health is committed to making high-quality cancer screenings and care accessible to all, regardless of financial barriers. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, we can improve outcomes and save lives.

Addressing the Rising Cancer Rates in Young Latinas

Legacy OB/GYN Dr. Erica Giwa, based at Legacy Santa Clara, sees the impact of delayed or missed screenings firsthand.

“No one in the developed world should have cervical cancer because we are so good at detecting pre-cancerous cells,” Dr. Giwa explains. “Yet we continue to see cervical cancer because women are not screened. If a patient has cervical cancer, I know that she most likely hasn’t had a Pap smear in over five years.”

The Santa Clara clinic, located in one of Houston’s most underserved areas, has seen a rise in cervical cancer cases, particularly among young Latina women. According to the CDC, Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women—a disparity that underscores the need for increased access and awareness.

Environmental and lifestyle risks such as smoking (a contributor to cervical cancer) and obesity (linked to increased breast cancer risk) are additional factors that young women—especially in at-risk communities—should be aware of.

Why Early Screening Matters

Routine screenings are one of the best ways to detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

• Breast Cancer: Annual mammograms for women 40–49, then every two years after 50.
• Cervical Cancer: Pap smears every three years starting at age 21.
• Colon Cancer: Colonoscopies every 10 years or annual stool tests starting at age 45.

Yet many underserved communities face barriers to these life-saving screenings. Dr. Giwa notes that fear and misinformation often keep patients from seeking preventive care.

“Many patients avoid cancer screening because they are afraid,” she says. “They don’t recognize that these screenings are meant to identify patients at risk and reduce their chances of developing cancer.”

The results of early detection are powerful. It not only increases survival rates but can reduce the intensity and duration of treatment needed.

“Everyone needs screening,” says Dr. Giwa. “If identified early, many cancers are treatable, and patients can live for many years after diagnosis.”

Overcoming Barriers to Care: Legacy’s Approach

Legacy Community Health reduces healthcare disparities and improves cancer outcomes by ensuring all patients, regardless of income, language, or insurance, have access to preventive care as a Federally Qualified Health Center.

Here’s how Legacy is breaking down barriers:

• Language Access: Bilingual staff and interpreter services ensure clear, compassionate communication.
• Financial Assistance: Sliding-scale fees based on income—no one is turned away due to cost.
• Transportation Help: Rides available to and from appointments.
• Trusted Partnerships: Collaborations with The Rose, MD Anderson, and Houston Methodist expand access to screenings and follow-up care.

These efforts are strengthened by a $1.4 million CPRIT grant awarded to Dr. Nestor Esnaola of Houston Methodist, supporting cancer prevention at Legacy clinics in Greater Fifth Ward Lyons, Santa Clara, and San Jacinto/Baytown. The initiative expands screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, and liver cancer, enhances mobile mammography through The Rose, and includes culturally tailored education and patient navigation.

Additionally, a $100,000 grant from the American Cancer Society and the Houston Texans is helping Legacy provide more breast cancer screenings and follow-up care for low-income and medically underserved women in Houston.

A Patient Success Story: Sherry Murphy’s Journey

Sherry Murphy, a Beaumont resident, struggled for years with an undiagnosed sore on her right arm. After visiting multiple healthcare providers who refused to treat her without insurance, Sherry’s daughter reached out to Legacy. Within a week, she was seen by Dr. Kimberlie Gonzalez, who quickly diagnosed the sore as basal cell carcinoma, a malignant skin cancer. Dr. Gonzalez promptly removed the cancerous tissue, leaving Sherry cancer-free and with a renewed faith in healthcare.

“She saved my life,” Sherry shared. “Legacy treated me with dignity and kindness, something you don’t always find elsewhere.”

Preventing Cancer: Building a Healthy Foundation

For young women, prevention starts early. Your 20s and 30s are the perfect time to build healthy habits that set you up for a healthier future. Regular health check-ups should include:

• Annual physical exams to monitor overall health
• Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings to help prevent heart disease
• Mental health check-ins to address stress-related health risks
• Pap smears and HPV testing starting at age 21 to detect cervical cancer early
• Skin exams to catch potential warning signs of skin cancer

Healthy lifestyle choices—like eating well, staying active, avoiding tobacco, using sunscreen, and getting enough sleep—can lower your risk of cancer and other chronic conditions. When paired with regular check-ups and a clear understanding of your family history, these habits help build a strong foundation for long-term health.

Take Charge of Your Health

If you haven’t had your recommended cancer screenings, now is the time to schedule an appointment with Legacy Community Health.

How to Schedule a Screening:

• Online: Visit Legacy Community Health to book an appointment.
• By Phone: Call (832) 548-5000 to speak with a representative.
• In Person: Visit any of our Legacy clinic locations to schedule your next screening.

At Legacy, we believe everyone deserves quality care—no matter their income or insurance. Together, we can focus on prevention, catch cancer early, and help every patient live a healthier, fuller life.