Breast cancer screening is an important part of preventive care. Providers can help patients understand when screening is recommended, address common concerns, and encourage them to schedule a mammogram when appropriate.

Start the conversation with patients

Some patients may delay or avoid a mammogram because of fear, discomfort, or misinformation. A brief conversation during a routine visit can help patients better understand the benefits of screening and feel more confident about next steps.

For patients at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends breast cancer screening every two years for women ages 40 to 74. Patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need individualized guidance.

Common concerns to address

• “Breast cancer does not run in my family.” Most people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known family history. Patients who meet screening criteria should be encouraged to complete routine screening.
• “I am worried about radiation.” Mammograms use a very low dose of radiation. For most patients, the benefit of early detection outweighs the small risk associated with radiation exposure.
• “I am worried it will hurt.” A mammogram may be uncomfortable, but compression usually lasts only a few seconds. Encourage patients to tell the imaging team if they have concerns before the screening begins.
• “I do not have symptoms.” Screening mammograms are designed to look for breast cancer before symptoms appear or changes can be felt. Early detection may lead to more treatment options and better outcomes.
• “I use breast self-exams or alternative screening.” Breast self-awareness can help patients notice changes, but it does not replace routine screening. Mammography remains the recommended primary screening tool; thermography should not be used as a substitute.

What Providers can do

Use routine visits, annual wellness visits, and care gap outreach as opportunities to:

• Review each patient’s screening history and risk factors
• Explain why screening is recommended, even when patients do not have symptoms
• Address concerns about discomfort, radiation, and abnormal results using clear, reassuring language
• Encourage patients to schedule a mammogram when screening is due

Patient-friendly messaging: Supporting breast cancer screening access

If a Member tells your office they are having trouble scheduling a mammogram, help identify the barriers:

• Confirm whether the issue is related to appointment availability, location, referral or order requirements, or uncertainty about where to go
• If the Member needs help finding an available in-network screening location, direct them to contact MVP Customer Care using the number on their MVP Member ID card
• Follow your office’s standard referral, order, and care coordination processes
• Document any known access barrier so it can be addressed appropriately

Help Members understand their options and connect them with the right support to reduce screening delays and support year-end quality measure completion.

Supporting breast cancer screening access

If a Member tells your office they are having trouble scheduling a mammogram, help identify the barriers:

• Confirm whether the issue is related to appointment availability, location, referral or order requirements, or uncertainty about where to go
• If the Member needs help finding an available in-network screening location, direct them to contact MVP Customer Care using the number on their MVP Member ID card
• Follow your office’s standard referral, order, and care coordination processes
• Document any known access barrier so it can be addressed appropriately