Mammography and Screening

Mammography Recommendations

• Learn the normal feel of your breasts, and check them monthly for any changes beginning at age 20. Many women have lumpy breast, which is not a cause for worry. However, if a lump or other change does not go away, have it checked by a doctor or nurse.
• Have a clinical breast examination at least once every three years beginning at age 20.
• Begin clinical breast examinations annually at age 40.
• Have an annual screening mammogram at age 40.
• If you have a family history of breast cancer, fit other high-risk criteria, or have a specific concern, consult with a physician to determine whether to begin yearly screening at an earlier age.

Mammograms Matter™

The American Cancer Society, the Michigan Cancer Consortium, the American Medical Association and many other medical organizations recommend that all women age 40+ years have an annual mammogram. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in September 2005 showed that an annual mammogram has been proven to reduce mortality from breast cancer. With annual mammograms, radiologists have comparison data by which breast cancer can be detected at the earliest appearance. Early diagnosis and treatment saves lives.

In the past it has been the practice of many health and government groups to do phone research asking women when they had their last mammogram and then to cite percentages based on the results. This method of collecting mammography information is now felt to be somewhat inaccurate, relying on the responses of women who may or may not remember exactly when they had their last mammogram.

In looking into ways to determine approximate annual mammography rates in women age 40+ yrs in Southwest Michigan, the Komen Southwest Michigan Affiliate decided to take a county-by-county approach. Based on annual data provided by all radiology facilities to the State of Michigan, we now have the numbers of mammograms (screening and diagnostic) administered in 2004 and in 2005 in all eight counties of our service area.

Dividing those numbers by the US Census estimates for the population of women over age 40 at the time for each of the eight counties in our service area results in the percentage of eligible women receiving mammograms in each county. It is an estimate of the percentage of women age 40+ who are having annual mammograms for each of the eight counties in our service area. Below is a chart showing the data.

Estimated Mammography Rates
in Southwest Michigan

The Southwest Michigan Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has recently launched a new strategic initiative called Mammograms Matter™ to increase the annual mammography rate percentages in Southwest Michigan. To date we have fulfilled requests from about 70 clinics and hospitals for more than 13,000 patient education materials. Four billboards have recently been installed on major local highways to remind readers about the importance of annual mammograms. And, six
Public Service Announcements (PSA's) have been produced by WMMT Channel 3 TV and are currenly airing. Radio PSA's have also been distributed.

The Affiliate has 2,000 gift cards (valued at $10 each at all Meijer stores) which are being supplied to participating mammography facilities to give to all patients having their first time mammograms. Participating doctors offices and clinics throughout Southwest Michigan have received vouchers to give to patients at the time they schedule a first-time mammogram. The vouchers will be redeemed for a gift card when the patient has the mammogram at the radiology facility.

Uninsured women can contact the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) to qualify for discounted mammograms at 1-888-AGE-40-UP. We have been providing support for women under 40 to have mammograms as needed through grants to the local BCCCP programs. Because the State of Michigan cut funding for the BCCCP "over 40" uninsured program, the Southwest Michigan BCCCP was due to end the program from June to October 2006. In order to continue the program, the Southwest Michigan Affiliate awarded grant monies this year to BCCCP programs for discounted mammograms for all (under 40 yrs with need and over 40 yrs) uninsured and under-insured women in Southwest Michigan.

What if you cannot afford a mammogram?

If you have insurance, most plans cover mammography. Medicare also pays for mammograms. There are many free or low cost programs. For help, contact:

The SW Michigan Affiliate
The Komen Helpline (1.800.I'M AWARE® or 1.800.462.9273)
or your state health department for information about low cost programs in your area.