Promoting breast cancer awareness and resources

Every October, breast cancer emerges as a topic of national conversation. Pink ribbons appear on products and T-shirts. Friends discuss the latest gene mutation news. Social media platforms remind us that breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S., and that 1 in 8 will develop the disease at some point in their life.

With so much attention during Breast Cancer Awareness month, now is the time to encourage the women in your workforce, or in the covered families of your employees, to focus on breast cancer prevention.

To support the best outcomes, HR professionals need to ensure that employees understand screening recommendations, know how to access resources and services, and be able to identify in-network providers. The following information from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield can help you spread the word and support positive outcomes.

Improving outcomes in Arkansas

Breast cancer can be a very difficult disease for members and their families to navigate emotionally, as well as financially. However, outcomes are much better, and medical costs considerably lower, when breast cancer is detected early by mammogram. To increase early diagnosis in Arkansas, screening rates need to increase, as revealed in a 2023 article posted by the Arkansas Department of Health. Highlights cited in the article included:

• “The state currently ranks as the 32nd lowest for mammography and 46th lowest for pap tests.”
• “While the breast and cervical cancer screening rates among women in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go in improving the screening rates.”
• “Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women who are diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival.”

Screening mammogram recommendations

Members should check with their provider to determine their personal screening recommendations based on their age, family history and other risk factors. In general, physicians recommend screening mammograms every two years for women who are 50 to 74 years old and at average risk for breast cancer. It is a good idea for women to start discussing mammogram recommendations with a primary care provider at age 40 to plan when and how often to have a mammogram.

Screening mammograms are currently fully covered by the ACA at no charge to the patient. If the screening detects something that needs a follow-up diagnostic mammogram, the diagnostic mammogram is not covered by the ACA. Instead, those costs follow the member’s health plan’s coverage policies. Refer to your Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan or reach out to Customer Service at the number on the back of the member ID card or through Blueprint Portal for details on diagnostic mammograms under your health plan.

Helpful tools

Members can use the Find Care & Costs tool on Blueprint Portal to locate a provider for mammograms and other women’s healthcare services. Blueprint Portal is our secure member site and app, accessible 24/7, that includes each member’s personalized health insurance information. A free account gives members easy, on-demand access to see their:

• Insurance claims
• Amounts paid toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
• Prior authorizations
• Medical ID card
• Other important personal health information

On Blueprint Portal, the Find Care & Costs tool also helps locate in-network providers according to customizable search criteria and even estimates costs for procedures and treatments at different facilities. Women can use the tool to locate in-network primary care physicians, obstetricians, gynecologists, screening facilities and other specialists.

Additional resources

Women’s health is important and deserves special attention. For more information about other programs and recommended screenings, maternity programs and ongoing healthcare, visit Women’s Health and Wellbeing – Blueprint Portal.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield also offers women’s health resources for employers, including downloadable flyers that can be printed or shared digitally with employees. These include a Mammograms flyer, a Women’s Preventive Services flyer (available in English and Spanish), and flyers and posters about the Arkansas Blue Cross Special Delivery program for expectant mothers. 

Take action

According to breastcancer.org, in 2025 alone, approximately 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, facing the stark reality of losing their hair and their breasts. More than 42,000 will lose their lives. Take advantage of October’s increased awareness and momentum of Breast Cancer Awareness month to make a difference in your workforce by sharing screening information and supporting employee access to preventive care resources.