Mammogram for young OVCA women in surgical menapuse?

[OzBron]

When I was at my doctors last I asked whether now I am in menapause from the OVCA surgery etc and with history of OVCA do I now have a need for a mammogram even though I am under 40. I got a blank look and the doctor said they didn't know and that in any case insurance wouldn't cover it as I am not 40.
I have no family history of breast cancer but until I got it we had no history of OVCA either. OVCA seems to be linked to Breast cancer so I am now not sure whether to press my insurance or leave it and not borrow trouble.
I am seeing my gyn/onc early March and will ask then but does anyone else who is in the under 40 OVCA club  have any information on this?

[vixen28]

Hi Bron. I'm not 100% sure, but I think if you can get your doc to write on the referral "Medically indicated" you may have some luck getting a free mammogram or at least at a much reduced cost. I also must think about doing this, so next time I'm at my docs I'll ask. I know I got a referral for a bone density test and the doc wrote these words on it, but (shame on me) I haven't booked it! I'm taking additional calcium anyway, but I do have a hx of osteoperosis in the family, so I really should get cracking and get this test done. Actually, one of the benefits of these sites is that it reminds us/informs us/motivates us to look after ourselves. Nice meeting you Bron!

Vixen

[OzBron]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I do feel sometimes that when i get blank responses from doctors that they think I am a hypochondriac, but I will never take the "you are too young" response for granted now.
Becky - you are right I went quiet for a while, got a bit overwhelmed and negative and everytime I logged on I saw bad news for a lot of us and I was just not dealing with it well for a bit. But I am getting back on top of things (well kind of) and gearing up for my 6mth check in a few weeks. I know in theory it will get easier, but man it just doesn't seem that way. I feel very out of control of my life so I am now overcompensating by getting every other aspect of my health checked up! Still not a completely normal mental picture but atleast this is not destructive behaviour!!!

[Tybear]

Hi Bron! I haven't seen you on here in a while...it's good to hear from you! I asked my doctor about this as well. I'm now 29, in surgical menopause too, and he said yes, I should have regular mammograms and bone scans as well. Thank God I had my bone scan...it showed I'm in the beginning stages of osteoperosis (osteopenia) and I need to be on a bone supplement. I hope your insurance and your doctor figure this all out...it's sad when we, the patients, have to be the ones directing our healthcare.
Take care,
Becky

[RavenLady]

Hey Oz,
      There are many Cysters from OZ here in the neighborhood .like Mid and Vixen etc.  I hope one of them sees this thread and can tell you the ins and outs of the insurance game down under.  I don't think anyone here would disagree on the wisdom of mammos given your history and it should not be tied to your age, but insurance companies may use that as a poor excuse not to cover this all important exam.  OZ Cysters, any advice for Ozborn?  MV

[survivor_susie]

I've had regular mammo's since I was in my early 20's. Insurance always covered them.    I can't imagine a gynecologist who would say "no" to a request for a referral for you to get a mammo. Good for you for being proactive about your health care!  I'd definitely get your ob/gyn to get an appointment for you to have a mammo.
Good luck!

[Jane39]

I was 39 when I was diagnosed with OVCA, Stage 1A, However, my mother did have early breast cancer  when she was 40 (27 years ago).  But I have mammo's religiously now, but my doctor does put on the script the reason for the mammo is OVCA.  So it really depends on your insurance carrier.  I had my first mammogram done at 25, and my insurance still paid for it.  For you, if your insurance pays for it, I would get one atleast every other year until you are 40.  Good Luck.