Breast Cancer Screenings and Early Detection

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn about breast health and take steps that may help detect breast cancer early.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in Arizona.

Early detection through regular screenings can help find breast cancer sooner, when treatment may be more effective. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer detected at a localized stage is 99%.

Knowing when to schedule screenings and understanding your risk factors can help you make informed decisions about your health.

What to know:

• Early detection matters. Regular breast cancer screenings can help detect cancer sooner, when treatment may be more effective and outcomes are often better.

• Screening recommendations vary by age. Women should become familiar with their breast health, receive clinical breast exams as recommended, and begin annual mammograms at age 40.
• Support and coverage are available. Most preventative mammograms are covered by insurance, and AZ Blue members may have access to rewards, screening programs, and care navigation resources.

Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations by Age

In Your 20s

Women should start self-examining their breasts in their 20s. When you’re familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, you’re more likely to notice changes in breast shape, dimpling, swelling, or other changes and discuss them with your healthcare provider. There are three different ways to do it:

1. Circular: Start at the outer edge of your breast and move fingers around the entire breast in a circular motion
2. Vertical: Start at your underarm area and move your fingers up and down across the breast in a vertical pattern, working from the outside of the breast toward the inside.
3. Wedge: Start at the outer edge of your breast and move your fingers towards the nipple and back to the edge until you have checked the entire breast in small wedge-shaped sections.

While self-breast exams should start in your 20’s, continue them throughout your life.

In Your 30s

In addition to self-examinations, women in this age range should have their breasts clinically examined. The clinical breast exam (CBE) should be a part of your annual health examination. This is not the same as a mammogram. During a CBE, your provider will examine your breasts to check for anything that feels abnormal like a lump.

Age 40 and Older

After the age of 40, a woman should start having a mammogram done annually. A mammogram is an x-ray that can help detect breast cancer before symptoms develop. According to the World Health Organization, mammography is the most effective screening method for breast cancer. Again, if you are a woman 40 years or older, you should have a mammogram performed every year.

And don’t forget the self-examinations— it's recommended to do them a few days after your monthly cycle ends.

Source: Breast Exams | American Breast Cancer Foundation (abcf.org).

Does Insurance Cover Mammograms?

Most preventive mammograms are covered by health insurance plans with no out-of-pocket costs.

Diagnostic mammograms, which are performed when symptoms or abnormalities are present, may include out-of-pocket costs like a copay.

AZ Blue members can log in to azblue.com/MyBlue and view their plan documents to see what screening services their plan benefits cover.

Get Screened, Get Rewarded

Eligible members may earn rewards for completing recommended screenings.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (AZ Blue Health Choice) Members, ages 40 to 74, may receive a $25 gift card for completing a mammogram. AZ Blue Health Choice also offers screening events throughout Arizona. Click here for a list of locations. Health Choice members can call 602-962-5892 to schedule an appointment.
• Eligible Medicare Advantage Members can earn $25 in reward dollars for completing a breast cancer screening exam. Click here to learn more. AZ Blue Medicare Advantage members can call the Member Advocate team at 602-313-7135, toll-free 1-888-267-9046 TTY: 711. After completing the screening, members can complete a self-attestation at azbluebenefits.com to earn their $25 reward dollars.

With or without insurance, Arizonans 40-65 as well as symptomatic individuals 21 and older can get free clinical breast exams and mammograms at these locations statewide: Get Screened at Well Woman Healthcheck Program clinics.

Need Help Navigating a Breast Cancer Diagnosis?

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming.

AZ Blue is here to help members connect with care, understand their benefits, and access support resources. 

Members who are experiencing challenges getting care after a diagnosis can connect with our AZ Blue Clinical Rapid Response Team for assistance. Members can also call the number on the back of their ID card to learn about care management services and other available support programs.