According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form
of cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
An estimated 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed
among women in the US during 2012. An estimated 39,920 breast cancer deaths
will occur in 2012, (39,510 in women and 410 in men). The risk of breast cancer
increases as women get older, with the majority of breast cancer cases
occurring in women older than age 50.
Early detection
Over the past several years, considerable developments have occurred in the
area of evaluating and reducing breast cancer risk. Although there has been
recent controversy in the medical literature regarding the value of screening
mammography and breast self-examination, AmeriHealth continues to support the
American Cancer Society's recommendations for screening mammography in women
age 40 and older.
Mammography is not a capitated service, so your patients can go to the
radiology site of choice. No referral is required; however, your patient may
still need a prescription from you for the radiology site. Please remind your
patients to refer to their benefit description material for the complete
details of the terms, limitations, and exclusions of their coverage.
Resources from the American Cancer Society
The following American Cancer Society programs are available at
www.cancer.org or by calling
1-800-227-2345.
Reach to Recovery. Helping breast cancer patients cope with breast cancer for
more than 30 years, this program matches a trained volunteer breast cancer
survivor with a newly diagnosed person to offer support and hope.
Look Good...Feel Better. This free, community-based program teaches female
cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and
self-image while they are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
tlc: Tender Loving Care. This not-for-profit website and catalog of the
American Cancer Society has a mission to help women cope during and after
cancer treatment by providing wigs and other hair loss products (plus how-to
information), as well as mastectomy products, all at affordable prices.
I Can Cope. This is a free, educational program that offers information,
support, and coping skills for adults dealing with cancer themselves or as a
caregiver. This program is available online and as instructor-led classes in
different areas of the country.