Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• In the United States, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, with about 1 in 8 women being diagnosed during their lifetime.

• Men can also develop breast cancer, but it is much less common in men than in women.

Being Proactive:

• Mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms are noticeable. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. When breast cancer is detected at an early, localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is much higher.

• Mammograms are a form of breast cancer screening, which means they are used to identify potential cases of breast cancer in individuals who do not show any symptoms. Regular mammography screening, typically recommended for women starting in their 40s or 50s, can help catch cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.

• Detecting breast cancer at an early stage may lead to less aggressive treatments, potentially preserving a better quality of life for those diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mammograms are considered a key preventive service in healthcare, and Medicaid is designed to provide preventive care to its beneficiaries. This includes screenings, vaccinations, and other measures to catch and address health issues before they become more serious and costly to treat.

Women age 45 and older should schedule a mammogram yearly. If you're due for your check up, call your primary care doctor for that appointment!