Breast Cancer Awareness + Mammogram Screenings

Coverage for UW Faculty, Staff, Librarians, and Retirees
Campus MammoVan
How to prepare for a mammogram
Breast Self-Exams
Ways to lower your risk of breast cancer
Resources

The University of Washington has partnered with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) to bring you the "MammoVan," a mobile mammography service. The MammoVan is scheduled to visit convenient campus locations on a regular basis, making it easier than ever for you to get your mammogram during your work day! View MammoVan schedule.

An annual screening mammogram is one of the best methods available to detect breast cancer in its early stages when it's easier to treat successfully. The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

Coverage for UW Faculty, Staff, Librarians

Did you know that mammograms are covered under your Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) medical benefits?

For women age 40 and older, annual mammogram screening is covered at 100%. In addition, the annual deductible does not apply.
For women under age 40, the coinsurance and the annual deductible apply if your network provider refers you for a mammogram. However, you pay all related costs if you self-refer for a mammogram.

View the Certificate of Coverage for your health plan. Click the search tab within the document to find "mammogram." Read what's covered under your plan. You may need to visit a network provider within an allowed time period in order to receive full coverage.

Campus MammoVan—Mobile Mammography Service

The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Mammovan is a customized, mobile breast imaging clinic bringing the latest technology in digital mammograms to you at the work place. The average appointment time is about 15 minutes. Convenience, state-of-the art technology and exceptional quality are the reasons why women choose this service.

Take advantage of a more convenient way to get a routine mammogram! The MammoVan will be visiting the UW campus on the dates shown below.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
First appointment starts at 8:30 a.m. - last appointment starts at 3:30 p.m.
Parking lot near Paul Allen Building
Campus map
Friday, June 1, 2012
First appointment starts at 8:30 a.m. - last appointment starts at 3:30 p.m.
Red Square near the George Washington statue
Campus map

For more locations in the Greater Seattle area. Go to www.seattlecca.org or call 206-288-7800.

Who is this service for?
This service is for female UW faculty, staff, and librarians who are age 40 or better and are covered by a PEBB health plan.

Is an appointment necessary?
While no appointment is necessary, making an appointment assures that you will receive a mammogram at your scheduled time. To schedule an appointment, please call 206-288-7800 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Walk-in appointments are accepted whenever possible. If you see the van in service, please knock on the door to inquire about the next open appointment.

What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring the name and address of your primary care physician, your medical insurance card, and a picture ID. Please do not wear any deodorant, lotions or creams the day of your appointment.

Should I confirm my appointment?
Yes, it's a good idea to call 206-288-7800 to confirm your appointment date, time, and location.

What happens after my appointment?
After your appointment your insurance company will be billed directly. The results of your exam will be mailed to you and your physician within 7-10 business days.

How to prepare for a mammogram

There are things you can do to be more comfortable during the procedure and ensure the most accurate results. The National Women's Health Information Center offers these guidelines for what to do before a mammogram:

When scheduling the appointment, plan to go about one week after your period. Your breasts will be less sore at this time.
If you have breast implants, make sure you tell the facility about them when you schedule your appointment.
The day of your mammogram, wear a separate shirt and skirt, shorts or pants, not a dress. It will be easier to just remove your top during the mammogram.
To avoid shadows on your result, don't use any lotions, powders, deodorant or perfumes on the day of your mammogram.

Breast exams don’t substitute for a mammogram

Self-breast exams don't take the place of a mammogram. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, having a clinical breast exam or a breast self-exam has not been found to decrease risk of dying from breast cancer. At this time, the best way to find breast cancer is with a mammogram. If you choose to have clinical breast exams and to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular mammograms.

Ways to lower your risk

There are other things you can do to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Physical activity has been associated with a 10%-25% reduction in risk.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase the risk of breast cancer after menopause and that risk increases with weight gain.
Know your family history of breast cancer. If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk of getting breast cancer and how you can lower your risk.
Limit alcohol consumption. Consuming more than one serving of alcohol a day can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

Resources

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
UW Medical Center Mammography at Roosevelt Clinic
Hall Health instructions for Breast Self-Examination
Breast Cancer Resource Guide (American Cancer Society)
Breast Cancer Prevention Guide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Breast Cancer Quick Guide for Health Living (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Recommendations on Breast Cancer Screening (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force)

Note to Men:
This page focuses on breast cancer, screening, and prevention in women. To learn more about how breast cancer affects men, see the American Cancer Society's website, Breast Cancer in Men.

Note to UW Employees:
Time taken from work for on-site MammoVan screenings is treated the same as other medical appointments.

UW Lactation Stations
Are you an expectant mother attending school or working at the UW? You'll be glad to know about the many on-site lactation stations. See Lactation Support.