Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Periodic screening mammography has been shown to help save lives by detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Timely screening can reduce breast cancer mortality in women 40 and older by 20% to 35% (CDC). More information about Medicare coverage for breast cancer screening is available on Medicare's website.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) kills about 50,000 Americans each year, yet colorectal cancer screening remains largely underutilized. CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., affecting both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most common among people aged 50 and older. It is the third most common cancer for men. For women, it is the second most common cancer among Asians and Hispanics, and the third most common cancer among whites, blacks, and American Indians/Alaska Natives.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other sources recommend colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 50. Physicians and other health care providers can help improve their patients’ odds against this disease by encouraging screening, helping make the appointment, and addressing patients concerns and fears about cost or a cancer diagnosis. Medicare and most other payers cover colorectal screening according to nationally accepted guidelines. More information about Medicare coverage for colorectal cancer screening is available on Medicare's website.
OFMQ's Quality Improvement Specialists work with physicians throughout Oklahoma to increase mammography and colorectal cancer screening rates for Medicare beneficiaries through education and training using evidence-based medicine. We offer a number of provider-directed tools and self-management tools for patients.