Whether you’re putting off your first screening or just got behind schedule, we’re here to help motivate you to get back in the exam room.
Let’s talk about mammograms. These X-rays can help find breast cancer at its earliest stages when it’s more treatable. And that means they can help save lives.
Getting screened for breast cancer is a way to take charge of your health and have more information to make decisions about your care with confidence. If you’ve been putting off getting screened, finding your “why now” can help you take a deep breath and make an appointment. Here are a few reasons to consider:
1. Breast cancer screening is covered by most Blue Shield plans
Breast cancer screening is an important part of preventive care and is available to most Blue Shield members at no extra cost. If you’ve been worried about extra spending, no need to delay because of cost.
You may need a referral for a mammogram. Call or schedule an appointment with your primary doctor (also known as a primary care provider or PCP) to get more information. You may even be able to get transportation to and from the appointment, depending on your plan’s benefits. To check if transportation is covered, log in to your Blue Shield account.
2. You’ll get a better understanding of your breast health
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends all women start screening at age 40. Your first mammogram is called a “baseline.” It helps your provider track changes in your breast health over time with future tests.
The screening can also show if you have dense breast tissue, which may make cancer harder to see on an X-ray. There are other tests, such as an ultrasound exam, which can also help give a clearer picture, if necessary.
3. You may not need a mammogram every year
Your provider can help you decide on the right screening schedule for you based on things like age, risk factors, etc. The USPSTF recommends screening every other year for women ages 40 through 74. Be sure to check your health plan documents to see when a mammogram is covered as part of preventive care.
4. You’ll know your risk factors
About 1 in 8 women get breast cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). And some have higher risk. Things that may increase overall risk are:
- Age: Most breast cancers are found in women ages 55 and older, according to the ACS. And the risk may increase in women over 60.
- Having a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer
- Menstruating before age 12
- Starting menopause after age 55
- Having a baby after age 30, not breastfeeding, or not having a full-term pregnancy
Many of these factors you can’t change, and that’s okay. But knowing your risk for breast cancer and choosing to get a mammogram is something you can control.
5. You’re a man
Male breast cancer makes up for less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. In men, breast cancer usually happens between the ages of 60 and 70. Since breast cancer is seen as a “women’s disease,” men may ignore symptoms like a breast lump or nipple changes and discover cancer later when it’s less treatable. Having relatives with breast cancer, inherited gene mutations, or having radiation to the chest can increase risk. If you notice any changes, talk to a provider.
6. Your future self will thank you
Breast cancer is highly treatable if it’s found before it spreads. In fact, a likely five-year survival rate is may be as high as 99% when breast cancer is caught early, according to the ACS. Knowing your health status starts with scheduling your breast cancer screening.
Ready to book a mammogram? Call your doctor for a referral or search for an in-network provider with our Find a doctor tool.
*Blue Shield of California does not provide medical or dental advice. This information is for informational purposes only.
