Woman holding up October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month sign

Get screened during #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 by Theresa Lever, M.Ed
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

The bad news:  Washington County breast cancer screening rates have slipped in the past several years. Only 4 of Vermont’s 14 counties have a screening rate lower than ours!

The really good news: CVMC has made it even easier to get your screening mammogram, and new state laws mean more of the cost is covered!

Why have a mammogram? 

To detect breast cancer before there are noticeable signs of it, so it can be treated and cured more easily.  Getting regular screening mammograms lowers a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer. 

Screening Recommendations

Screening guidelines vary and the Susan G. Komen website has a helpful chart comparing guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.  Ask your medical provider when you should start having mammograms and how often you should get screened. 

Scheduling Your Mammogram

You can call us directly to schedule your mammogram, or you can involve your provider’s office.  Our number is 802-371-4249. 

Paying for Your Mammogram and Other Breast Imaging

National and state laws require insurance coverage for initial screening and, in some cases, call-back tests. If your insurer doesn’t pay 100% for breast imaging, or if you don’t have health insurance, let us know.  We can connect you to programs that help pay, including Ladies First and CVMC’s financial assistance program.  In addition, CVMC’s longstanding partnership with Susan G. Komen New England breast cancer foundation means we have Komen funds to make sure your screening is affordable.

CVMC’s Patient Navigator can help you get the services you need when you need them. Call 802-225-5449 or email theresa.lever@cvmc.org to learn more. 

There’s no time like the present, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to take action!

 

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