Breast cancer is an increasingly prevalent killer in the United States.
The Humana program has resulted in more women getting regular breast health screenings, in earlier detection of breast cancer, and in faster medical response when cancer is found. The result is saved lives, less drastic treatments, improved quality of life, and more efficient use of medical resources. The American Association of Health Plans has given its 1997 National Exemplary Practice Program Award to Humana Health Plans of Chicago for the initiative. By 1995 that level of early detection was up to 62 percent, and in 1996 it was at 69 percent. The national average is about 57 percent.