Prevention - Breast Cancer Screening (Mammography)

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States and a women’s risk for breast cancer increases with age. Escalating efforts to ensure breast cancer screening can save many lives through early detection of cancer when it is most curable.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found fair evidence that mammography screening every 12 to 33 months significantly reduces the mortality from breast cancer. Their recommendation is screening mammography, with or without clinical breast examination every one to two years for women age 40 or older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated breast cancer mortality in women 40 and older could be reduced by 17 to 30 percent with timely screening.

In our continued efforts to support Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and care management processes we are collaborating with practices to utilize their EHR to improve the rate of mammograms. GMCF will assist physicians in setting targets, establishing protocols, utilizing reminders, reporting of data, and analyzing results to improve patient care through appropriate screening and early detection.

All women with Medicare age 40 and older are covered for a screening mammogram every 12 months. Medicare also pays for one baseline mammogram for women with Medicare between ages 35 and 39. There is a 20 percent co-payment for this but no deductible.

Resources and Publications

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
American Cancer Society
QualityNet - Breast Cancer Screening
National Cancer Instiutute - Publications
Make and Keep Your Mammogram Appointment - Clinician Notepad
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services
Adult Preventive Care Timeline
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Mammography Overview
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Screening for Breast Cancer – U.S. Preventive Service Task Force