Understanding your personal risk, knowing when to get screened and keeping up with recommended mammograms can help make breast health an important part of preventive care
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing renewed attention to one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women. While awareness campaigns are important, the most meaningful message may be a simple one: knowing your risk and staying current with recommended healthcare can make a difference.
Breast cancer screening does not prevent cancer from developing. Its purpose is to help find breast cancer earlier, sometimes before a person notices any symptoms. When breast cancer is identified at an earlier stage, there may be more treatment options available.
For many women, that makes knowing when to schedule a mammogram an important part of routine preventive healthcare. Current recommendations generally call for women at average risk to begin mammography at age 40 and continue screening every year through age 74. However, screening decisions should also take an individual's health history and risk factors into consideration.
Aetna® encourages members to take an active role in preventive health by talking with their healthcare providers about appropriate screenings and understanding the preventive care resources available through their health plan. A woman's healthcare provider can help determine when screening should begin and whether her individual circumstances require a different schedule.
Understanding Your Personal Risk
There is no single cause of breast cancer, and having one or even several risk factors does not mean a person will develop the disease.
Some risk factors cannot be changed. These include getting older, certain inherited genetic changes, and some personal and family health histories. Having close relatives who have breast or ovarian cancer can be particularly important information to share with a healthcare provider.
Women should know as much as possible about their family health history and discuss it during routine medical appointments. Depending on that history, a healthcare provider may recommend additional evaluation, genetic counseling or a screening approach different from the one used for someone at average risk.
Breast density is another factor women may hear about after a mammogram. Dense breast tissue can make breast cancer more difficult to detect on a mammogram and is also associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women who are told they have dense breasts should talk with their healthcare provider about what that information means for them.
Knowing what is normal for your own breasts is also important. Changes such as a new lump, changes in the size or shape of a breast, skin changes, nipple changes or unusual discharge should be discussed with a healthcare professional. A concerning change should not be ignored simply because a recent mammogram was normal or because the next screening is not yet due.
Turning Awareness into Action
Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to move beyond awareness and take practical steps.
One of the easiest places to begin is by checking when you had your last mammogram. If you are unsure whether you are due for screening, ask your healthcare provider.
Women can also use routine appointments to update their family health history, ask questions about their individual breast cancer risk and discuss any changes they have noticed.
Aetna members can review their specific health plan information to better understand applicable preventive care benefits, participating providers and available health resources. Because coverage can differ among plans, members should consult their individual plan information when determining benefits and costs.
Preventive healthcare works best when people remain actively involved. That includes scheduling recommended appointments, asking questions when something is unclear and following up when additional testing is recommended.
October's pink ribbons may help bring breast cancer into the public conversation, but breast health deserves attention throughout the year.
Knowing your personal risk, staying current with appropriate screenings and maintaining an ongoing relationship with your healthcare provider can help make breast health part of your regular preventive care routine.
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual health history, breast cancer risk and screening needs.
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