Site 01 · Edinburg, Texas, USA

YWBCRI–DHR Health

Director · Carlos García-Cantu, MD

A U.S. hub anchoring the Institute’s upstream research in a diverse patient population, integrating clinical care with early breast biology research.

The Young Women’s Breast Cancer Research Institute at DHR Health (YWBCRI–DHR Health), Rio Grande Valley, is an affiliated site of the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Research Institute (YWBCRI). The YWBCRI–DHR Health is dedicated to advancing clinical, translational, and pathology-driven early biological research on breast cancer in young women under 40, in line with the global mission of the YWBCRI.

Through collaboration among clinicians, pathologists, and research scientists, the institute is working to better understand the biological characteristics of early-onset and biologically aggressive breast cancers, with the goal of supporting future advances in prevention, detection, and treatment.

Scientific Priorities Include

Revealing early biology of Microinvasive Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Identifying metabolic drivers at the interface of pre-cancerous fields
Advancing early detection strategies and risk assessment programs for breast disease and breast cancer
Providing comprehensive multidisciplinary management for benign, pre-invasive, and invasive breast conditions
Expanding access to advanced imaging, minimally invasive procedures, precision medicine, and personalized treatment pathways
Supporting survivorship, patient education, prevention initiatives, and community outreach programs designed to improve long-term health outcomes

The YWBCRI–DHR Health serves as a collaborative platform for physicians, trainees, researchers, and healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing breast care innovation and continuously improving patient outcomes, both within the DHR Health and YWBCRI hub-sites and across the greater RGV region.

Through clinical excellence, education, and research collaboration, the DHR Health Breast Center of Excellence strives to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care while contributing to the future of breast cancer research.

Site Team