The Necessity of Annual Mammograms

Early Breast Cancer Detection Is the Best Defense

Every year, about 255,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 42,000 women will die from it. Although it’s impossible to detect all cancers in a localized area (stage one), women whose breast cancer is detected early have a 99% chance of 5-year survival. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, FHCP highlights why mammograms are essential for women aged 40 and up.

What Are Mammograms?

Mammograms are breast X-rays that detect small clusters of potentially cancerous tissue before a lump can be felt. You can lower your risk of developing breast cancer but not eliminate it by having routine annual mammograms starting at age 40. After a clinical breast exam to do a preliminary screening, your doctor will refer you to have a mammogram. Once test results are submitted, you will go over their findings and discuss the next steps if you require medical treatment. While not all breast masses are cancerous, it’s very important to rule out the possibility.

Ask Your Primary Care Provider to Order Your Annual Mammogram

Your PCP is your ally in better breast health. While breast cancer screenings like clinical exams and mammograms cannot prevent cancer, their purpose is to detect cancer earlier. It is much easier to treat at the early, localized stage of cancer, and survival is much more likely. If you have abnormal results from a mammogram, make sure to share them with your primary care provider to ensure you are given a referral to a cancer specialist.

Contact Florida Health Care Plans with Questions

At Florida Health Care Plans, we strongly encourage every woman to speak to their primary care physician about requesting an order for a mammogram screening. If you have questions about mammograms or need assistance from the FCHP team, please contact Member Services at 386-615-4022 for further assistance.

About Florida Health Care Plans

Florida Health Care Plans serves our community with an extensive list of local health care providers in the area, including Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Brevard, and St. Johns Counties. These facilities are designed with convenience in mind, whether you’re visiting your family doctor, getting an X-ray, or utilizing our cost-effective, members-only pharmacies.

At FHCP, we are passionate about serving our local community.

Click here to find a Florida Health Care Plans doctor or facility near you.