Facts

Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2009:

Do We Know What Causes Breast Cancer?

Although many risk factors may increase your chance of developing breast cancer, it is not yet known exactly how some of these risk factors cause cells to become cancerous. Hormones seem to play a not-fully-understood role in many cases of breast cancer.

Certain changes in DNA can cause normal breast cells to become cancerous. DNA is the chemical in each of our cells that makes up our genes -- the instructions for how our cells function. We usually resemble our parents because they are the source of our DNA. However, DNA affects more than how we look.

Some genes have instructions for controlling when our cells grow, divide, and die. Certain genes that speed up cell division are called oncogenes. Others that slow down cell division, or cause cells to die at the right time, are called tumor suppressor genes. Cancers can be caused by DNA mutations (changes) that "turn on" oncogenes or "turn off" tumor suppressor genes.

Inherited gene mutations

Certain inherited DNA changes can increase the risk for developing cancer and are responsible for the cancers that run in some families. For example, the BRCA genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are tumor suppressor genes. Mutations in these genes can be inherited from parents. When they are mutated, they no longer suppress abnormal growth, and cancer is more likely to develop.

Women have already begun to benefit from advances in understanding the genetic basis of breast cancer. Genetic testing can identify some women who have inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes (or less commonly in other genes such as PTEN or p53). These women can then take steps to reduce their risk of developing breast cancers and to monitor changes in their breasts carefully to find cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. These are discussed in the following sections of this document.

Acquired gene mutations

Most breast cancer DNA mutations, however, occur in single breast cells during a woman's life rather than having been inherited. These acquired mutations of oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes may result from other factors, such as radiation or cancer-causing chemicals. But so far, the causes of most acquired mutations that could lead to breast cancer remain unknown. Most breast cancers have several gene mutations that are acquired.

Tests to spot acquired gene changes may help doctors more accurately predict survival of some women with breast cancer. For example, tests can identify women whose breast cancer cells have too many copies of the HER2 oncogene. These cancers tend to be more aggressive. At the same time, drugs have been developed that specifically target these cancers

How Much Does a Mammogram Cost?

A mammogram is a breast X-ray used for early detection of breast cancer. It is recommended yearly starting at age 40. A clinical breast examination, in which a doctor or nurse examines the breast for lumps or irregularities, is recommended once every three years starting at age 20, then once a year at age 40 and up.

Typical costs:

For an uninsured patient, typical full-price cost of a mammogram ranges from $80 to $120 or more, with an average of about $102, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Some providers charge more, and some offer an uninsured discount. For example, at the Kapiolani Medical Center in Aiea, Hawaii, where the full price is about $212, an uninsured patient would pay about $127 to $148.
Mammograms usually are covered by health insurance for women in the recommended age bracket. Many states require health insurance companies to cover regular mammograms, usually after age 40. The National Women's Law Center offers a state-by-state chart.
For women covered by health insurance, some plans require no out-of-pocket expenses, while others charge a co-pay, generally between $10 and $35.
A clinical breast exam is much less expensive, and usually is included as part of a general or gynecological check-up.

What should be included:

The mammogram technician places the breast between two plastic plates, which compress the breast tissue so a clear X-ray can be taken. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
The American Cancer Society offers a primer on early detection of breast cancer. Only two to four of every 1,000 women who undergo a mammogram end up receiving a diagnosis of cancer.
In a clinical breast exam, the doctor or nurse manually checks the breasts, lymph nodes and nipples for any palpable irregularities.

Additional costs:

Women at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a known breast cancer gene mutation, should consider getting an MRI each year in addition to a mammogram, according to the American Cancer Society.
If an irregularity is found, more testing or follow-up testing might be required. About 10 percent of women who have a mammogram require more tests, usually just another mammogram. However, about 8 to 10 percent do require a biopsy.

Discounts:

During the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, some community or women's groups offer free or very low-cost mammograms, sometimes using a mobile clinic. To find a program, call the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Care Helpline at 1-800 I'M AWARE (1-800-462-9273). Or contact the YWCA's ENCOREplus program any time for a referral for a free or low-cost mammogram.
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to find a program in your area that offers low-cost or free mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women who qualify.

Shopping for a mammogram:

If you have health insurance, consult with your general practitioner or gynecologist to get a mammogram and/or a clinical breast exam.
Otherwise, check with your local Susan G. Komen for the Cure affiliate to get more information on planned screening events. Or, call your local health department or use the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.'s online search feature to find a local clinic.

For mammorgrams, the American Cancer Society recommends using a facility that performs many mammograms each day, and is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to perform mammograms.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Read some recent posts from www.costhelper.com towards the bottom of the page.

http://www.costhelper.com/cost/health/mammogram.html

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