Louisiana Health Care Review
THE MEDICARE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION
Mammography
Still the Best Tool in Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Louisiana’s mammography screening rate of 46.5% for Medicare beneficiaries ranks 45th among the states.
Mammography is the most effective method of diagnosing breast cancer, with an estimated ability to detect abnormalities between 60% and 94%, yet it remains underutilized. Regular mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality by 20% to 40% for women aged 50 years and over. LHCR and CMS are working to increase mammography use all female Medicare beneficiaries.
 

Consensus Statements and Guidelines
The American Academy of Family Practitioners (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Radiology (ACR), American Cancer Society (ACS), American Medical Association (AMA), National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) have developed clinical practice guidelines and recommendations concerning mammography utilization. Additionally, ACOG published a Committee Opinion in 1994 stating that the obstetrician/gynecologist should be "fully educated" in breast disease and participate in screening programs and preventive strategies for breast cancer.

  • The ACR, ACS and AMA recommend annual mammograms for women over the age of 40.

  • The NCI recommends mammograms every one to two years.

  • The ACOG recommends mammograms every one to two years for women ages 40 to 49 and annual mammograms for women over age 50.

  • Mammograms every one to two years are recommended by the USPSTF and AAFP for women ages 50 to 69.

  • The USPSTF indicates that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening of women 70 years of age or older, although recommendations for this can be made on other grounds for women in this age category with a reasonable life expectancy.
Louisiana Data and Opportunity for Improvement
 Louisiana’s mammography utilization ranks 45th in the nation, with a rate of 46.5% for Medicare beneficiaries.


Breast Cancer and Mammography Web Site Links
 

 


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