The importance of breast cancer screening & mammograms

Getting mammograms regularly is important because it can help find breast cancer early. The earlier it is found, the better the chances are for successful treatment. Our plans can help you pay for mammograms as part of your preventive care. 

 

What you pay can change based on your Wellpoint plan. So, check the details of your plan to see what it covers. Log into your Wellpoint member portal or Medicaid account—or download the Sydney℠ Health app—to review your coverage.

 

Let's learn some basics about mammograms, what happens when you get one, and how Wellpoint can make the process easier for you.

What is a mammogram?

 

A mammogram is a simple scan that looks for breast cancer. While mammograms can’t stop cancer or make it go away, they are still considered preventive care. The American Cancer Society says that one in eight women in the U.S. will have breast cancer. 

 

Mammograms can help save lives because they can find the disease early. Every woman should talk to their doctor about getting these regular breast cancer screenings.

 

Types of mammograms

 

Mammograms are X-rays of your breasts. During one, a doctor checks for signs of cancer. There are two types of mammograms: Screening and diagnostic.

  • Screening mammograms are regular tests that can help find breast cancer in women who have no symptoms. Screening mammograms can be 2D or 3D, with 3D having a more detailed image.

  • Diagnostic mammograms are used when there are signs or symptoms of cancer, such as a lump. They let your doctor see into the breast more clearly to help find out if there is cancer.   Diagnostic mammograms may take longer and are also used in special cases. Your doctor might recommend a diagnostic mammogram if you have dense breasts or breast implants.

 

Wellpoint plans cover both types of mammograms. Check your member handbook or log into your account portal to review your specific Wellpoint mammogram coverage.

 

What to expect during a mammogram

 

A mammogram usually takes about 10-15 minutes. A technician uses an X-ray machine to take pictures of your breasts. They send the images to a radiologist (an X-ray specialist) for review. The radiologist reports their findings to your doctor within a few weeks, and your doctor will share the results with you. Getting a mammogram is simple and safe and helps keep you healthy.

When to get a mammogram

 

Your doctor will tell you how often you should get mammograms. This will depend on your age and level of risk. You’re considered at average risk even if you’ve never had cancer or no one in your family has had breast cancer. As you get older, your risk gets higher. So, getting mammograms regularly is important even if you feel fine and are not noticing anything wrong.

 

If someone in your family has had breast cancer, your doctor might ask you to get mammograms more often. In general, the American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for women at average risk:

  • Women who are between ages 40 and 44 can start getting mammograms yearly to be more proactive.

  • Women who are between ages 45 and 54 should get mammograms every year. 

  • Women ages 55 or older can get mammograms every other year or can choose to continue getting them every year.

 

You can also do a breast self-exam between mammograms to feel for lumps or any other changes from how your breasts normally look and feel. It’s easy to do at home and takes just a few minutes.

How to lower your risk of breast cancer

 

While there is no sure way to stop breast cancer from happening, regular mammograms can help find it early, when doctors have more ways to treat it. There are things you can't control that might make you more likely to get the disease, such as how old you are or if your family has had it.  The American Cancer Society recommends good habits that can help lower your risk of breast cancer. This includes keeping a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and limiting alcohol use.

Learn more about your Wellpoint mammogram coverage

 

All Wellpoint plans cover preventive care, including mammograms. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so it’s important to check your plan overview and benefits. If you have an Individual and Family plan, log into your Wellpoint member portal or the Sydney Health app to view your specific plan’s details.

If you have Medicare, you can log into your Wellpoint Medicare account. If you have Medicaid, you can check your member handbook for coverage details. The handbook is posted on the website listed on the back of your Medicaid ID card. 

Schedule a mammogram appointment

 

Let Wellpoint connect you to the breast cancer screening resources you need to stay healthy. To find an in-network mammography center, log into your Wellpoint member portal for a personalized search. Don’t wait—schedule your mammogram today.