According to the National Cancer Institute, early breast cancer detection is a key for successful treatment. 1990, the Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act. This helped the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to build the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, or NBCCEDP, the only national program that provides breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for uninsured, low-income women. Breast cancer screening is also available via private health care facilities.
Program Eligibility
In order to be able to get breast cancer screening through NBCCEDP, a woman must be 40 to 64 years old, uninsured, and at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. As of 2010, approximately 8 to 11 percent of the American women meet these requirements.
Screening Methods
The most common screening methods for breast cancer are mammograms and clinical breast exam. A mammogram is recommended every other year for all women between the ages of 50 and 74. Newer tools such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, are also used to detect breast cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend relying solely on breast self-examinations because this does not seem to reduce breast cancer mortality.
Other Programs
Any woman regardless of age or income level can also participate in breast cancer screening in a private hospital. Some health insurance plans cover mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Screening
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, both physical examination of the breast as well as mammography can detect breast cancer before the symptoms appear. Mammography screening has reduces breast cancer mortality, especially among 60- to 69-year-old women, says the CDC. Breast cancer screening may also have some disadvantages, however. These include the stress of finding out that one has cancer, or getting false positive results. Women who do not have cancer also have to take the time to participate in unnecessary imaging tests. Women are also exposed to minor radiation. Taking all of this into account, however, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that participating in breast cancer screening programs is worth the effort and risks for women between the ages of 50 to 74.
