ODDC - Mammography Rates in Ohio Below Target

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2005

Mammography Rates In Ohio Below Target: 22,000 Women with Disabilities Receiving Medicare Have Not Had a Mammogram

Ohio KePRO
Rock Run Center, Suite 100
5700 Lombardo Center Dr.
Seven Hills, OH 44131

Contact: Kathleen Korosi, MPA
Phone: (216) 447-9604 ext. 2140
Fax: (216) 447-7925
Email: kkorosi@ohqio.sdps.org

Mammography Rates In Ohio Below Target

Ohio KePRO, Medicare's Quality Improvement Organization, found that among women with disabilities on Medicare, there are about 22,000 that have not had a mammogram in the past two years. This is about 48% of Ohio women with disabilities aged 52 to 69 on Medicare. Compared to 39% of women without disabilities who have not had a mammogram. Clearly, more women with disabilities need to take advantage of getting life-saving mammography.

Mammograms for Women with Disabilities

A screening mammogram is used to find breast changes in women who have neither signs nor symptoms of breast cancer. Most women get two x-rays of each breast. The machines deliver very little radiation. The modern equipment in hospitals and clinics with mammography facilities perform mammograms while a woman is seated in a special chair or possibly in a wheelchair. The woman is given extra help with undressing and lifting her arms if she needs assistance. Although mammography centers vary in their experience with women with disabilities, most will make adjustments in accommodating for special needs. Mammography facilities need to know these accommodations in order to prepare for the exam, get more assistance, and allow extra time for proper positioning needed to get good x-ray films. If a centralized scheduling department makes the appointments for mammograms, try to speak with a mammographer first before setting the appointment for a mammogram. Preparing in advance will help ensure a positive experience for everyone. The woman's physician can also help by talking with the facility manager or the radiologist ahead of time to explain about special considerations to get good x-ray films.

Risk Of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women. More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women aged 50 and older. Most women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease in their family. If you are a woman and getting older you are at risk for breast cancer.

Early Detection-Mammograms

The best protection from breast cancer is early detection. A mammogram can find a lump 1-2 years before it can be felt. The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman get a yearly mammogram starting at age 40 and continue this every year for life. Mammography is still the best method of detecting cancer at its early and most treatable stages, long before a lump can be felt. However, many doctors do not ask a woman to get a mammogram and women themselves may not understand the importance of getting a screening mammogram when they have no symptoms of the disease.

Covered Under Medicare

Medicare pays for a mammogram once every 12 months for women on Medicare aged 40 and older. There is no Part B deductible. Women have a co-payment that varies according to region of the state in which they live. Additional insurance or Medicare eligibility may cover this cost.

Don't Let A Disability Hold You Back

Make an appointment for your mammogram today. If you need help in finding a mammography facility near you, log-on to our Web site at www.ohiokepro.com and click on the pink ribbon for more information. You can also get free brochures on breast cancer and a guide to all of Medicare's preventive services by ordering materials in the Shopping Cart. Help yourself and your family to healthy living in 2005.