MammogramPromise

Excuses for avoiding mammograms #3 -- Costs & Insurance

Healthcare is definitely something that people think they can do without during tough economic times, except in an emergency of course. However an ounce of prevention goes a long way, and is less expensive in the long run if you miss an early-stage cancer because you skipped your annual mammogram.

According to the National Cancer Institute, screening mammograms cost between $50 and $150. Most states’ laws require health insurance companies reimburse all or part of the cost of screening mammograms. Insurance companies and health-care providers can tell you what is covered.

Women with Medicare and over 40 can get a screening mammogram every year. There is no deductible requirement for this benefit, but Medicare beneficiaries have to pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount. Information about Medicare coverage is available at www.medicare.gov or through the Medicare Hotline at 1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE).

Some state and local health programs and employers provide mammograms free or at low cost: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coordinates the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides screening clinical breast exams and mammograms to low-income women throughout the United States. Go to http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp or call 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636).

The NCI also has information on low-cost or free mammography screening programs at Cancer Information Service, 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237).

There. That excuse is covered. What are you waiting for?

~Amy

Excuses for avoiding mammograms: #2 - There's just no time!

Yesterday we talked about why fear gets in the way of women getting mammograms. Today’s topic is Time – something everyone feels they could use more of, right? So in lieu of me adding another hour to the 24 we already have, would you settle for convenience? 

Time management is something we all strive for on a daily basis. But for convenience sake, let me point out that there are mammography centers all over the Puget Sound region. We have a list of them here you can check out at http://www.mammogrampromise.org/mammography-center-locator.cfm.

But in case you don’t feel like looking for one close to you, there are mobile mammography services on the Eastside and in the Seattle area offered by Evergreen Medical Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and Swedish Medical Center. Find their schedules online and call them up to make an appointment. 

Lots of medical centers are trying hard to make mammography screening as easy as picking up your dry cleaning… well almost. In under an hour you can get your mammogram and be back to your daily schedule. We understand how busy women are, especially mothers and working mothers. But without you around, what would your families do? Tough question and it’s not my intention to scare you into anything, but screening mammography is just good common sense and worth your effort once a year.

Here’s an idea! Combine it with a pedicure – treat yourself to an annual screening and pampering. I know you get pampered more often than you see your mammography technologist. But both are worthwhile.

 

~Amy

Top 3 excuses for not getting a mammogram

The top three excuses we've heard from women who don't get mammograms once a year are:

• Fear
• No time
• Cost  

As it turns out, there are many studies that look at why women are afraid of getting mammograms. Most recently a study was published in Oncology Nursing News that addressed fear, which can either motivate women to seek mammograms or avoid them. The reason for avoiding them seems to be due to a lack of information. Some people are afraid of doctors, exams, and tests. For some, mammograms aren't a priority because they don't feel like they are at risk for cancer. “I don’t have anyone in my family with cancer,” is one common reason. Another reason is, "I'm healthy? I'll wait to go to the doctor when I'm sick." And strangely enough, there are women who believe that ignorance is bliss. “What I don’t know won’t hurt me,” might be the clichéd response.  

Ignorance may be bliss, and your history may not be fully written, but screening mammography is the only test available that is clinically proven to save lives by detecting breast cancer at early stages. If you're healthy, it's the perfect time for mammography so you know what healthy breasts look like on the inside. Unfortunately, being a woman puts you at risk for breast cancer, regardless of any other factor.  

Tomorrow we will address the "I have no time" excuse for not getting a mammogram. Until then, fear not. Your mammogram could save your life. We've created a huge list of mammography providers in and around the Puget Sound region at www.mammogrampromise.org. And while you're at it, make sure you've entered the Make a Mammogram Promise contest! Today's glassybaby could be yours!

~Amy