There is good news about breast cancer. This has been the direct result of earlier breast cancer detection by mammography and advances in breast cancer treatment. The fight against breast cancer goes on and in the coming years, more and more women will survive this dreaded disease. It's true - if you are one of the nation's 38 million Medicare beneficiaries, it is important to know that you have additional preventive and diagnostic benefits you should be using to protect your health. As of January 1, Medicare recipients can take advantage of benefits including mammography, pap smears and colorectal cancer screenings.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States.
Because of this and the fact that more than half of those who die from it are 65 years of age or better, President Clinton and Congress have expanded coverage for mammograms. Now, Medicare beneficiaries who are aged 40 or better can have a mammogram without paying the annual deductible for this service. In addition, the same coverage applies for pap smears, pelvic exams and clinical breast exams. If you have questions about these important screenings and procedures, please talk with your physician. These are lifesaving benefits for Medicare recipients, and you need to take advantage of them to ensure your continuing health and well-being.