Mammograms
Medicare is reminding Americans that it now covers annual screening mammograms for women over the age of 40 who are enrolled in the Medicare program. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 expanded the Medicare coverage of screening mammograms from once every other year to once a year. Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved cost for a screening mammogram and the patient pays the remaining 20 percent.
Breast Cancer Risk Increases With Age
- Age 40--1 out of 233
- Age 50--1 out of 53
- Age 60--1 out of 22
- Age 70--1 out of 13
- Age 80--1 out of 9
It's important for women to understand that research shows that advancing age is the strongest risk factor for breast cancer, even stronger than family history of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. A screening mammogram is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early when the chance of successful treatment is greatest.
Learn more about breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment by visiting the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service or call 1-800-4-CANCER for more information. Additional information about Medicare is available online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
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