TOPEKA — Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance, is urging Kansans to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by increasing their knowledge of early detection and treatment of the disease.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women after skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control,” said Julie Holmes, director of Health and Life at the Kansas Insurance Department. “Early diagnosis is important, and women can survive breast cancer if it is found and treated early.” 

Women ages 40-49 are encouraged to discuss with their physicians about when to begin receiving mammograms and the frequency in receiving them. Women ages 50-74 are advised to receive a mammogram at least every two years, Holmes said.   

“The Kansas Insurance Department issued a bulletin in August to advise insurers that they will be required to provide coverage for mammograms and related services up to, and now including, 3D mammography,” Selzer said. “This modern technology is providing physicians with greater opportunities to diagnose and treat breast cancer in its early stages. We are pleased that the health insurers will provide coverage for use of this technology in 2019.” 

The Commissioner also urges those who have close family members with breast or ovarian cancer to consult their physicians to determine mammogram screening frequency.