Here are some questions that locals may want to raise with members for their consideration during the open enrollment period. Additional Questions and Issues for Member Review Mammography Research indicates that mortality due to breast cancer can be reduced by 30 percent among women age 50 and over through the use of mammography and clinical breast exams. Breast cancer mortality may also be reduced among women age 40 to 49 receiving these exams. Female employees and spouses of male employees should ask about the plan's breast cancer screening and education program and how much it will cost. Heart Disease and Stroke Heart disease and stroke kill almost as many Americans as all other diseases combined.
Cardiovascular disease is also a leading cause of disability.
The major modifiable risk factors for this illness are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and cigarette smoking. People who have their blood pressure and cholesterol levels detected, evaluated and participate in its management through the use of appropriate medication and diet can reduce their risk for heart attack and stroke. Members at risk for cardiovascular disease should ask the plan to explain their detection and intervention programs before making a selection. A number of studies have found that the pap smear test is effective in screening for cancer of the uterine cervix and can decrease death from the disease by as much as 75 percent. Various government and private organizations suggest that a pap test be received at intervals of 1 to 3 years.