According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death among women. An estimated 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the US during 2012. An estimated 39,920 breast cancer deaths will occur in 2012, (39,510 in women and 410 in men). The risk of breast cancer increases as women get older, with the majority of breast cancer cases occurring in women older than age 50.

Early detection

Over the past several years, considerable developments have occurred in the area of evaluating and reducing breast cancer risk. Although there has been recent controversy in the medical literature regarding the value of screening mammography and breast self-examination, Independence Blue Cross continues to support the American Cancer Society?s recommendations for screening mammography in women age 40 and older. Mammography is not a capitated service, so your patients can go to the radiology site of choice. No referral is required; however, your patient may still need a prescription from you for the radiology site. Please remind your patients to refer to their benefit description material for the complete details of the terms, limitations, and exclusions of their coverage.

Resources from the American Cancer Society

The following American Cancer Society programs are available at www.cancer.org or by calling 1-800-227-2345. 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 chemotherapy and radiation treatments. tlc: Tender Loving Care. This not-for-profit website and catalog of the American Cancer Society has a mission to help women cope during and after cancer treatment by providing wigs and other hair loss products (plus how-to information), as well as mastectomy products, all at affordable prices. I Can Cope. This is a free, educational program that offers information, support, and coping skills for adults dealing with cancer themselves or as a caregiver. This program is available online and as instructor-led classes in different areas of the country.