Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Every woman is at risk, and this risk increases with age. Breast cancer can usually be successfully treated when found early. Medicare covers screening mammograms and digital technologies for screening mammograms to check for breast cancer before you or a doctor may be able to feel it.

How often is it covered?

Once every 12 months

For whom?

All women with Medicare age 40 and older can get a screening mammogram every 12 months. Medicare also pays for one baseline mammogram for women with Medicare between ages 35 and 39.

Your costs in the Original Medicare Plan?

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount with no Part B deductible.

What factors increase risk for breast cancer?

Your risk of developing breast cancer increases if you…

• Had breast cancer in the past
• Have a family history of breast cancer (like a mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives who have had breast cancer)
• Had your first baby after age 30
• Have never had a baby
• Used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long period of time after menopause
• Have 2 or more alcoholic drinks every day
• Are overweight or obese, especially if you gained weight during adulthood
• Don't exercise
• Are a Jew of Eastern European descent (an Ashkenazi Jew)

Risk for breast cancer increases with age. It is important to continue with screening, even if you were screened before you entered Medicare.

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Preventive Services

Colorectal cancer is usually found in people age 50 or older, and the risk of getting it increases with age. Medicare covers colorectal screening tests to help find pre-cancerous polyps (growths in the colon) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Treatment works best when colorectal cancer is found early.

How often is it covered?

• Fecal Occult Blood Test - Once every 12 months
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - Once every 48 months
• Screening Colonoscopy - Once every 24 months (if you're at high risk); once every 10 years, but not within 48 months of a screening sigmoidoscopy (if you're not at high risk)
• Barium Enema - Your doctor can decide to use this test instead of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. This test is covered every 24 months if you are at high risk for colorectal cancer and every 48 months if you aren't at high risk.

For whom?

All people with Medicare age 50 and older, except there is no minimum age for having a screening colonoscopy.

Your costs in the Original Medicare Plan?

You pay nothing for the fecal occult blood test. For all other tests, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible. If the flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is done in a hospital outpatient department, you pay 25% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible.

What factors increase risk for colorectal cancer?

Risk for colorectal cancer increases if...

• You have had colorectal cancer before, even if it has been completely removed
• You have a close relative, such as a sister or brother, parent, or child, who had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• You have a history of polyps
• You have inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease).

Risk for colorectal cancer increases with age. It is important to continue with screening, even if you were screened before you entered Medicare.

Your risk for developing colorectal cancer may also increase if you…

• Have a diet high in fat, especially fat from animal sources
• Don't exercise
• Are overweight or obese
• Smoke
• Have 2 or more alcoholic drinks every day

Preventive Services

Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA)

Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in your blood. Another way prostate cancer is found early is when your doctor performs a rectal exam. Medicare covers both of these tests so that prostate cancer can be detected and treated early.

How often is it covered?

• Digital Rectal Examination - Once every 12 months
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test - Once every 12 months

For whom?

All men with Medicare age 50 and older (coverage for this test begins the day after your 50th birthday)

Your costs in the Original Medicare Plan?

Generally, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the digital rectal exam after the yearly Part B deductible. There is no coinsurance and no Part B deductible for the PSA Test.

What factors increase risk for prostate cancer?

While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, your risk increases...

• If you have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer, especially if your relatives were young when they got the disease
• If you are African American because prostate cancer is more common in this group for unknown reasons
• As you get older-about 2 out of every 3 prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65

You may also be at risk for prostate cancer if you eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products.

Cardiovascular Screening

Medicare covers cardiovascular screenings that check your cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels. High levels of cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. These screening tests will tell if you have high cholesterol. You might be able to make lifestyle changes (like changing your diet) to lower your cholesterol and stay healthy. Medicare will cover these tests every five years.