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October is breast cancer awareness month

October 3, 2011

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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:

    • "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 radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
    • "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.
    • "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.

    *All commercial and Medicare Advantage HMO members may obtain screening and/or diagnostic mammography, provided by an accredited in-network radiology provider, without obtaining a referral. HMO members must go to a participating radiology provider.

    ? The decision support videos are available for members eligible for the Connections Health Management Program.

    1 www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/screening.htm

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    This content was prepared for the Provider News Center and may not be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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