Why We Wear Pink In October

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of the disease. Per the National Cancer Institute, at the current rate, 12.8% of women born in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. That's 1 in 8 women. There are some actions you can take to help lower your odds, such as limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, but your best defense might be the simplest: get an annual mammogram. Mammograms are safe and proven effective. They can find lumps 2-3 years before a woman, or her PCP, can feel them during monthly self breast exams. Early detection provides more treatment options and a higher survival rate. Women should typically start getting an annual test at age 40; women with a family history of breast cancer may begin earlier. Since 2010, the Affordable Care Act required all new health insurance plans to cover screening mammograms every 1-2 years for women over 40 at no cost to the patient. Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial products also cover this at no cost. Women under age 40 will likely be covered based on family history.

This topic is an important one. Most people know at least one person who has battled breast cancer. I, personally, have a family history and got my first mammogram at age 30. I was worried about the cost, but due to the family history (my maternal aunt beat breast cancer twice-she's a rockstar!), the test was covered in full. Don't let the fear of cost prevent you from getting, what could potentially be, a life-saving exam.

If you have questions about how to bill this to insurance, or have gotten a bill for the testing and need help, contact us today.

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