EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- A new report by the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows an increase in breast cancer occurring in women younger than the age of 50.  The ACS study found that between 2012 to 2021, the occurrence of breast cancer in women 50 and under increased by 1.4 percent. The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that 30 percent of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer in 2024.  This concerning statistic has physicians emphasizing the importance of early detection through annual mammography and other breast exams.  “Mammograms are a very important screening tool that we use to detect early breast cancer in usually females. We recommend starting at age 40 and doing an annual mammogram every year just to get checked out and make sure everything is okay,” said Dr. Taylor Infante, an internal medicine physician at the University Medical Center of El Paso.  To promote the Borderland being proactive during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UMC is promoting its Wellness Mammogram Initiative.  Women 40 years and older, whose last mammogram was before Nov. 1, 2023, are eligible for the initiative offered at UMC Main Campus, UMC West Clinic, UMC East Clinic and UMC Northeast Clinic.  UMC says screenings and readings are covered under most insurances or $50 for anyone wanting self-pay or uninsured. This allows patients the ability to bypass a doctor’s referral and schedule a mammogram directly by calling (915)-200-2662.  “I know there's a big perception of ‘I'd rather not know,’ however, knowledge is power. There's so much we can do now to treat breast cancer if it is found and it's better if we can find it early before it spreads to other areas of the body or the bones," said Dr. Infante.  For one El Pasoan, she was only 36 when she received a diagnosis.   “In January 2019 I had an appointment with my OBGYN, and they didn’t find anything at that point in time. It wasn’t until mid-year around July when I was doing a self-exam that I found a lump. Immediately when I felt it, I was like, 'Oh my god, this doesn’t feel right something’s off,'” said Vanessa Parra-Cabbat.  Parra-Cabbat scheduled another mammogram, and through an ultrasound and biopsy doctors were able to determine the lump in her breast was stage one breast cancer.  She said that while she was worried, it was important to get answers and encourages others to do the same for the sake of their health.  “Your health is important and at the end of the day, people are getting breast cancer or many different types of cancer at an earlier age. For that reason, I think it's important that we be vigilant with our bodies,” said Parra-Cabbat.  Parra-Cabbat was able to have a lumpectomy, where the cancer was removed and followed that procedure with six weeks of radiation.  She joins the over four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., which she attributes to early detection.