Breast Cancer Awareness

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Breast Cancer Awareness

09/15/2023

Every month should be breast cancer awareness – not just October.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first organized in 1985 as a national movement to bring attention to the dangers of breast cancer. This movement began as a weeklong awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society. It eventually became a monthlong event and, in 1992, the pink ribbon became the symbol of breast cancer awareness.

 

Tips to help increase breast cancer screening compliance:

  • The first step toward early detection is talking to your patients between the ages of 40 to 49 about when to start annual screening and how often they should get a mammogram.
  • Women aged 50 to 54 years should be screened with a mammography annually.
  • For women aged 55 years and older, screening with a mammography is recommended once every two years for those with normal risk or once a year for those with increased risk.
  • Have your staff chart-prep and flag patients that need an annual screening order placed during their visit.
  • Help boost compliance by offering your patients a “standing order” for their annual screening mammogram, allowing them to complete the screening mammogram before their annual visit with you.
  • Be sure your documentation meets CMS standards and that your provider credentials are attached to the correct ICD-10 codes when ordering to ensure accurate data capture.

Here are some things you could do at your office to help raise awareness:

  • Wear pink ribbons and give them out to everyone at the office.
  • Volunteer together.
  • Shop pink items and show support.
  • Add pink to your office.
  • Have a pink potluck lunch.

Additional resources for providers and members can be found at cdc.gov and at komen.org.

 

JP 63180 09/2023

Provider Update