October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 28, 2023

Regence BlueCross BlueShield and Asuris Northwest of Washington are two of our premium carrier partners, bringing affordable and comprehensive health coverage to small businesses in Washington through our unique Association Health Plan offering. Regence is part of a family of regional health plans that have been a symbol of strength and stability in local communities for 100 years, connecting people and their families to health care when and where they need it most. Powered by the national strength and security of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, they strive to give you more control, providing superior service and making health care clearer, more cost-effective and focused on results that matter to you.


National Breast Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness about the
importance of early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the
most common cancer in women, and on average, women have a 1-in-8
chance of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. October is a
great time to call attention to the actions women can take to detect
breast cancer early.


As a health care provider, you are a patient’s trusted resource and can
encourage women to be informed and actively engage in the health
care decisions that affect them, such as getting screened for breast
cancer and obtaining other recommended preventive services. The U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women
ages 50 to 74 have a screening mammogram every two years. Women
ages 40 to 49 should talk with their providers about when to begin
screening and how often to get a mammogram.


Some women are at higher risk for breast cancer and should discuss
with their doctor when and how often to receive mammograms. The
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website provides
helpful resources for patients regarding risk factors.
Most of our health plans include benefits for screening mammograms at
no cost for women 40 and older when an in-network provider
is selected.
Resources