you’re able to get these mammograms through your states Medicaid benefits.
NBCCEDP also providespelvic examsandPap smears.
Local Support Organizations
Several national cancer support organizations offer financial assistance or access to free mammograms.
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Call your local imaging centers and ask what they may be offering.
One large nationwide organization that offers this is the YWCA through their Encore Plus Program.
They also have services year-round.
Check Out the Breast Cancer Community
Many options for free mammograms come and go.
It can be hard to know when and where they will be offered.
An excellent source for many people is to ask on social media.
Plus, many breast cancer groups on Facebook and communities are associated with several of the organizations.
Another good place to hear the latest newssuch as the availability of free mammogramsis on Twitter.
Does Free Mean Low Quality?
Free or discounted mammograms must have the same quality and care as full-price breast screening.
Just because the service is free does not mean the quality is low.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspects mammography clinics annually.
They check up on the machines and all the staff associated with their mammography program.
Mammogram or MRI?
Mammograms are still considered the best screening for breast cancer in those with average disease risk.
Other tests may be needed to rule out or confirm breast cancer.
Fast MRI is considered more sensitive in detecting breast cancers than a combination of mammograms and ultrasounds.
If you don’t have insurance, a screening mammogram can cost around $150.
A variety of low-cost and free mammogram services are available.
Symptomatic patients are considered diagnostic, and insurance companies aren’t required to pay the total cost.
Regardless, the price tag shouldn’t deter you from having a mammogram.
Health Resources and Services Administration.Women’s preventive services guidelines.
National Breast Cancer Foundation.The breast cancer screening crisis explained.
Susan G. Komen.Find a local Komen.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Important Information: Final Rule to Amend the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).
Food and Drug Administration.Mammography facilities.
Susan G. Komen.Options for women at higher risk.
2019;381:2091-2102. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1903986
National Cancer Institute.Mammograms.
A cross-sectional survey of women undergoing screening mammography.J Am Coll Radiol.2019;16(2):164-169. doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2018.07.002
