The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend mammography
screening as the best available method to detect breast cancer in its earliest,
most treatable stage. However, according to 2009 data on breast cancer
screening rates, the proportion of women in the United States who are 40 and
older who report having a mammogram in the previous two years continued to
remain below the 70 percent rate of 2000. While women 50 - 64 years of age and
65 and older are trending toward increased screening from 2005, (74.2 and 65.4
percent, respectively, up from 71.8 and 63.8 percent) statistics for women
between the ages of 40 - 49 continue to decline(down from 63.5 to 61.5
percent).1
Although the number of breast cancer cases has dropped in the past few years,
this decline in mammography adherence may mean that some women with early-stage
disease will not be diagnosed until later.
We recognize the importance of this screening and have made mammograms more
accessible to our members by:
allowing members to go anywhere in the radiology network for screening and
diagnostic mammograms*;
enabling HMO members who require a follow-up breast ultrasound to receive the
ultrasound at any participating radiology site.
IBC programs and resources
Mammography screening reminder program. IBC supports the American Cancer
Society recommendation for annual mammography starting at age 40. This year,
IBC is mailing mammography screening reminders to female members turning 40
during their birth month and to female members 42 - 69 years old who have not
had a mammogram within the previous 18 months.
IBC's member website. Our consumer website, www.ibxpress.com, includes a
wealth of information on mammograms and breast cancer.
Decision support videos from the ConnectionsSM Health Management
Program. † Videos are available on topics
ranging from early-stage breast cancer to breast reconstruction. A complete
listing of decision support videos and other Connections Health Management
Program information and tools can be found at
www.ibx.com/providerconnections.
Providers can call the Connections Program Provider Support Line at 1-866-866-4694 for information about the Connections
Program or to refer members to the program.
Oncology Case Management Program. The Oncology Case Management Program
is specially designed for members with cancer who are undergoing treatment. The
program is designed to provide additional support and information to help
members better understand and self-manage their condition. Trained registered
nurses work with you and your patient to develop individualized care plans. The
Oncology Case Management Program is a service provided by IBC to its members at
no charge. Participation in the program is voluntary.
If you are interested in referring any of your IBC patients to the Case
Management Department, please call 1-800-313-8628.
Resources from the American Cancer Society
The following American Cancer Society programs are available at www.cancer.org or by calling
1-800-ACS-2345:
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"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.
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"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 radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
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"tlc: Tender Loving Care?." This magazine/catalog includes informative articles
as well as information on products designed for women coping with cancer, such
as wigs, head coverings, and mastectomy forms.
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"I Can Cope?." This is an educational program that offers information, support,
and coping skills for those dealing with cancer themselves or as a caregiver.
This program is available online and as instructor-led classes in different
areas of the country.