National Mammography Day—Oct. 16, 2016

The third Friday of every October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) is National Mammography Day—a day created by Bill Clinton in 1993 to encourage women ages 40 and older to get annual mammograms. Today, however, there are differing opinions surrounding when, and if, women should get mammograms. Since breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women, and approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States are diagnosed with the disease each year, it may be a good idea to use this date as a reminder to consider a mammogram for yourself.

In October 2015, the American Cancer Society (ACS) issued new recommendations that women with an average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms when they reach the age of 45 and every other year until they reach the age of 54. In contrast, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that women adhere to the following advice:

• Women ages 40 to 49—Talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often you need them.

• Women ages 50 to 74—Get mammograms every 2 years. Talk with your doctor to decide if you need them more often.

Regardless of who you choose to listen to, the common consensus among experts is that early detection is key. Although there is a risk of receiving a false positive result after a mammogram, the test can still help women detect breast cancer early, making it easier to treat, in most cases.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), women’s preventive health care services are covered for women over 40 with no cost-sharing under health plans sold on the exchanges. In short, your mammogram may be free. However, if you’re part of a grandfathered health insurance plan (a plan that was in existence before the ACA went into effect), you may have to pay a copay for your mammogram. This is still a small price to pay for peace of mind.

On Oct. 16, 2016, consider whether you or someone you care about should schedule a mammogram. If you don’t know where to get a mammogram or can’t afford one, try these options:

• National Cancer Institute (1-800-4-CANCER)
• American College of Radiology (1-800-227-5463)
• American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345)
• National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (1-888-842-6355)