Beginning To Limit Access For Younger Women......

cp418

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180128.php

Susan G. Komen For The Cure(R) Concerned Federal Screening Mammography Guidelines Beginning To Limit Access For Younger Women

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180195.php

Survey Finds States Limiting Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening Services

Ezscriiibe

That makes my heart hurt.

crazy4carrots

Why on earth are states starting to eliminate cervical cancer screenings for young women?  I'm sure it isn't a case of too many false positives leading to unnecessary tx.  In fact, cervical cancer is one of the most easily detectable and effectively treated of all cancers, and, if left undetected, nearly always leads to complete hysterectomy and too often an early death.  Makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever.

Michele, I'm Cdn so this doesn't affect me, BUT it makes my heart hurt too.

Bren-2007

Linda .. what is being limited is the age criteria for screening under the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.  This screening program is funded by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, a federal government program) and each state is required by law to administer a program in their state.  In the past, the age at screening was 40.  However, because of funding limitations, many states are raising that age to 50.  In my state, Virginia, the screening age begins at 40, and could begin as early as 18, if you were referred by a doctor.  The breast and cervical aspects cannot be separated in this program.  You get both types of screening.  If either cervical or breast cancer is detected upon screening, medicaid kicks in to cover the expense of treatment and continues for as long as treatment lasts.  For example, in the case of breast cancer, you are covered for life or until your financial situation may change.

The forum guidelines have not affected the screening age limit in Virginia.  For the most part, this is an issue of funding.  If you go to the CDC website, you can see how much money each state is allocated each year for this program. 

The forum guidelines may affect private insurance reimbursement for breast and cervical screening.

This is an issue near and dear to my heart .. and makes my heart hurt too.

Bren