Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early detection leads to higher survival rate Published Oct. 29, 2010 72nd Medical Group TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- For more than 20 years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped focus attention on breast cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment. This year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that today, if detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 95 percent. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million American women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram. Do not be part of this statistic. If you are a TRICARE Prime beneficiary older than age 39, you are entitled to a screening mammogram once a year. Screening mammograms are appropriate for women with no history of breast cancer or other breast health problems. If you are currently having symptoms or have noted a lump, you must see your provider for examination before a mammogram or other testing is done. If you are a non-active duty TRICARE beneficiary, you may choose to schedule your mammogram with a network mammography provider of your choice without a referral or pre-authorization. If services are unavailable from a network provider, you may choose a non-network mammography provider after first obtaining a referral from your primary care manager. One woman out of eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. An annual mammogram can be one of your best tools for early detection and treatment should you be one of those eight. Don't wait -- schedule your mammogram today. To schedule, follow these instructions: Call one of the following facilities to schedule an exam. If you have had a mammogram in the past, advise the facility where and when it was done. It is best to compare your last exam to the new exam. A screening mammogram does not require an order from the provider. Confirm when you schedule your appointment and contact your primary care manager if an order is needed. All active duty members require a referral from your PCM, therefore contact your PCM and wait for your authorization from HUMANA before scheduling the exam. Request that results are sent to your PCM. Edmond -- Breast Imaging of Oklahoma, 2601 Kelly Point Parkway, Suite 101, 844-2601 -- Diagnostic Radiology, 902 South Bryant, 348-1900 Midwest City -- Midwest Regional Breast Care Center 2825 Parklawn Drive, 610-8888 -- Renaissance Physicians, 1800 S. Douglas, 732-9115 Moore -- Moore Medical Center, 700 S. Telephone Rd, 912-3035 Norman -- Norman Regional Hospital Breast Care Center, 901 N. Porter, 307-2290 Oklahoma City -- Breast Imaging of Oklahoma, 1800 S. Douglas Blvd., 844-2601 -- Breast Center at St. Anthony, 535 NW 9th Suite 100 (located in the St. Anthony Medical Plaza), 272-4226 -- OU Physicians Breast Institute 825 NE 25th Street, 271-4514 -- Oklahoma Breast Care Center, 13509 N. Meridian, Suite 6, 755-2273 -- Integris Comprehensive Breast Center, 3525 NW 56th, 945-0045 -- Integris Southwest Breast Health & Imaging Center, 4401 S. Western, 636-7480 -- Deaconess Hospital, 5501 N. Portland, 604-6104