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
