Breast Cancer Screening Q&A
Does Medicare cover Mammography?- All women with Medicare age 40 and older are eligible for mammography screening every 12 months. Medicare also pays for one baseline mammogram for female beneficiaries ages 35 and 39.
- Medicare also covers the use of digital technology for screening mammograms.
- Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare approved amount with no Part B deductible.
- Call 1-800-633-4227 for more information or visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mammography.
Yes, It is best to check your policy from your employer or from your health care provider. Some states have legislation in place that mandates screening mammography coverage. It is important to know about any coverage limitations for either diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer.
How do I determine if I am at risk for breast cancer?The older you are, the greater your chance of developing breast cancer. However, there are several factors that could place you at higher risk for breast cancer:
- If you ever had breast cancer before.
- If you have a family history of breast cancer (like a mother, sister, daughter or two or more close relatives who had breast cancer) or
- If you had your first baby after the age of 30, or if you never had a baby.
- If you had a previous abnormal breast biopsy.
Doing a breast self-exam may be helpful in finding a lump that might go unnoticed if it's done correctly and often enough (monthly). Most experts currently advise clinical breast exams done by a trained doctor or trained health care professional and mammograms every 1 - 2 years as the most reliable ways for finding breast cancer early.
Does Medicare cover clinical breast exams by a doctor or trained health care professional?Yes, Medicare covers a pap test and pelvic examination for those at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer. This benefit is offered once every 24 months and includes a clinical breast exam performed at the same time. Medicare will cover a pap smear and pelvic exam every 12 months for persons at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer.
What is a mammogram?A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the soft tissues of the breast that can help detect breast cancers early, before most lumps or masses can be felt.
What is a screening mammogram?A screening mammogram is one that is performed to detect breast cancer where there may be no symptoms of cancer present in its earliest stages. Screening mammographies are done on a regular basis (usually once a year) to women age 40 and older.
What is a diagnostic mammogram?A diagnostic mammogram can be performed after the results of a screening mammography where breast masses or other breast changes have been identified.
What is digital mammography?A digital mammogram is much the same as what women experience with standard mammograms with regards to positioning, breast compression and the appearance of the machine.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Women should report any breast changes to their doctor. Symptoms of breast cancer may include the following:
A lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling of the skin or other skin changes on the breast or near the nipple. Any discharge should be reported. A doctor is your best resource to determine the nature and necessary follow up to any breast changes.
How to Get More Information
More information about breast cancer, mammography and breast cancer treatment can be found by visiting the following Web sites or call centers:
Web site: www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about2004.htm
Web site: www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/breast_cancer/womans_guide_en/home.html
Web site: www.health.state.ny.us
Adelphi University Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline, 1-800-877-8077. A statewide hotline that provides information, referrals and emotional support for people with questions about breast cancer. Operates seven days a week; staffed by trained volunteers, many of whom are breast cancer survivors. Sponsored by the Adelphi University School of Social Work. Web site: http://www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer. American Cancer Society, National Hotline, 1-800-ACS-2345. Local chapters are listed in the white pages of your telephone book. Provides free information and emotional support from trained volunteers anytime before, during, or after treatment. Programs include "Reach to Recovery" and "Look Good, Feel Better." Supplies free brochures on treatment, reconstruction, sexuality, what to do about job discrimination, and other topics. Also produces "A Significant Journey," a video for couples about the ways breast cancer can affect a relationship. Web site: http://www.cancer.org Cancer Care, Inc., 275 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673) or (212) 712-8080. Telephone counseling line: 1-800-813-4673, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. An organization which provides a variety of counseling and emotional support services for cancer patients in person, over the phone, and via e-mail. Also runs educational programs and provides financial assistance for patients in need. All services are free of charge. Web site: http://www.cancercare.org Gilda's Club, 195 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10014, (212) 647-9700. A free emotional and social support community for people with cancer and their families and friends. Sponsors workshops, lectures, groups, and social events. Web site: http://www.gildasclubnyc.org National Breast Cancer Coalition, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 1060, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 296-7477. A national advocacy group that lobbies for increased research funding, access to medical services, and education. Web site: http://www.natlbcc.org National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Hotline, 1-800-4-CANCER. Offers free state-of-the-art information in English or Spanish on treatment, clinical trials, eating hints, advanced cancer, and services in your area. Web site: http://www.nci.nih.gov National Women's Health Network, 514 10th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 347-1140. Advocate for women's health issues. Provides newsletters and position papers on women's health topics. Oncolink: The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center Resource. A comprehensive source of information about all kinds of cancers, including breast. Includes links to on-line cancer discussion lists and to the National Cancer Institute's PDQ database. Web site: http://www.oncolink.com SHARE: Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer, 1501 Broadway, Suite 1720, New York, NY 10036, (212) 719-0364. Breast Cancer Hotline: English - (212) 382-2111, Spanish - (212) 719-4454. A self-help organization that offers support groups, educational programs, hotlines, wellness programs and advocacy for women with breast or ovarian cancer. All programs for patients and their families/caregivers are free of charge. Web site: http://www.sharecancersupport.org Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Komen Help Line, 1-800-462-9273. Dedicated to advancing research, education, screening, and treatment of breast cancer. Web site: http://www.komen.org Y-ME National Breast Cancer Hotline, English - 1-800-221-2141, Spanish - 1-800-986-9505. Cancer survivor volunteers share personal experiences on everything from treatment information to emotional recovery. Local branches also provide wig and prosthesis banks. Contact group for local chapters. Web site: http://www.y-me.org
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