In-network preventive care is available for individuals on the Marquette medical plan, including services aimed at preventing and detecting breast cancer.
An estimated one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. While breast cancer can happen to anyone, it may be more likely if you have certain risk factors.
These risk factors include:
- A family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother, sister or daughter
- Onset of menstruation before the age of 12
- Never having a child or giving birth to a first child after age 30
- A previous history of breast, ovarian, colon or endometrial cancer
- Excess alcohol (for women, no more than one drink per day is recommended)
- Obesity
- Being 50 years of age or older
Preventative steps to reduce the risks associated with breast cancer include:
- A monthly breast self-examination
- An annual clinical breast examination performed by a physician
- An annual screening mammogram beginning around age 40 (may start earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer)
The university’s medical insurance plan provides 100% coverage for many preventive care services when received in-network, including mammograms and breast cancer genetic test evaluation when appropriate. Participation in a preventive care visit can earn 50 points for the My Wellness program. A list of preventive care services can be found on the preventive care services summary page. For even more information on coverage for services under the medical plan, check out the Medical Insurance page or call a UMR plan advisor at 800-207-3172.
An additional free resource available for those on the Marquette medical plan who are facing a cancer diagnosis is the 2nd.MD benefit, which provides free and convenient second opinions from a board-certified specialist. More information on this can be found on the 2nd.MD page.
Those dealing with cancer or other medical conditions, or those who have worries related to their health, can access free counseling through LifeMatters, the Employee Assistance Program. To speak with a counselor, employees and their family members can reach LifeMatters by calling 1-800-634-6433, texting “Hello” to 61295, using the mobile app, or by visiting their website by using the password: MU1.
Finally, the university offers free cancer prevention coaching as part of the My Wellness program. All employees and their spouses can participate in this coaching offering to learn how to reduce risk of different cancers and learn about recommended screenings for risk reduction and early detection. Participants who complete this program will earn 25 My Wellness points. More information on this and all the health coaching offerings can be found on the Health Coaching page.
