Presbyterian | Spring 2022 | Your Story

www.phs.org/centennialcare 11 Testing can help catch breast cancer early Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Finding cancer early can help with treatment. Testing can help catch cancer at the early stages. The most common way to test for breast cancer is with a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. The type of testing and how often you get a breast cancer screening that is best for you change as you age. ● Ages 20 to 39: Some experts suggest that women have a clinical breast exam every three years, starting at age 20. Talk with your provider about how often you should have a breast exam. If you have a high risk for breast cancer, talk to your provider about when to begin testing. This can include regular mammograms (X-ray pictures of the breast) and other screening tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ● Ages 40 and older: It is important for you to talk to your provider about the medical data on mammograms before you decide when to start having them done and how often to have them. For women at average risk: { A screening mammogram is recommended every two years for women ages 50 to 74. The decision to start regular screening before age 50 should be up to that person. It should also be based on a woman’s values, her health history, and what she prefers. { The risk of breast cancer goes up with age. If you are 75 or older, talk to your provider about getting a mammogram as a regular part of your healthcare plan. Finding breast cancer early is important for the success of treating it. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more easily and successfully it can be treated. Please check with your primary care provider for testing options. You can also check the Presbyterian Health Plan Provider Directory to find a provider near you. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Keep these numbers handy The Presbyterian Customer Service Center (PCSC) is available for members Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members can reach the PCSC at the following numbers: (505) 923-5200 or 1-888-977-2333 , TTY: 711 Navajo/Diné members: (505) 923-5157 or 1-888-806-8793 , TTY: 711 Other important numbers PresRN: (505) 923-5677 or 1-888-730-2300 , TTY: 711 Routine transportation (for non-emergency medical transportation): 1-855-774-7737 New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (for a behavioral health crisis): 1-855-662-7474 (1-855-NMCRISIS ) Presbyterian Centennial Care Ombudsman: Phone: (505) 923-5780 , email: ombudsman@phs.org The earlier breast cancer is found, the more easily and successfully it can be treated.