Women in pink holding up October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Sign

Breast Cancer Screening: Deciding What Is Best for You

Posted on Sunday, October 15, 2017 by Theresa Lever, M.Ed
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Theresa Lever, M.Ed is the Patient Navigator for the cancer program at CVMC.

At CVMC, breast cancer screening is simple!

Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration.  Breast cancer screening is no exception to the unfortunate rule that nothing is simple.  Women have questions for which there are only complicated answers. 

  • At what age should I start getting screened? 
  • How much will it cost? 
  • Will finding cancer early save my life?  

Screening Recommendations

Breast cancer screening through mammography is recommended by every major health and advocacy organization. However, recommendations vary, and there is not necessarily a “one size fits all” answer to these questions.

Talking with your provider is the best way to determine the most appropriate course of action for you. 

  • If you’re 40 or older, talk with your provider about breast cancer screening. 
  • If you’re not yet 40 but have a family history of breast cancer or a condition that increases your risk of breast cancer, talk with your provider. 

Then talk to us.  

After you decide when and how often you’ll be screened, we can help simplify the process by removing obstacles to a successful screening. 

Paying for Your Mammogram

National and state laws mandate insurance coverage for the initial screening and in some cases the “call-back” tests. 

If your insurer doesn’t pay 100% for your breast imaging, you should let us know.  

CVMC’s longstanding partnership with Susan G. Komen VT/NH breast cancer foundation means we have funds to make sure your screening is affordable. 

I’m the Patient Navigator in CVMC’s cancer program and my job is to make sure you get the services you need when you need them.  Call or e-mail me at 802-225-5449, theresa.lever@cvmc.org

It’s that simple!

Learn More

If you would like to find out more about the breast screening recommendations, the Susan B. Komen website has a great chart that compares the guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.

The American College of Radiology also offers their own screening guidelines.