Cigna has announced that after February 15, 2016 the company will no longer provide coverage for 3-D mammography. 3-D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, is a new technology that allows for visualization of the entire breast in multiple thin sections. It provides far greater resolution than conventional 2-D mammography.
Dr. Michael Misialek, Associate Chair of Pathology at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Clinical Assistant Professor of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Tufts University School of Medicine, and Medical Adviser for the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) has witnessed firsthand the power of 3-D mammography diagnosing twice as many invasive cancers than 2-D mammography. “The evidence is overwhelming in support of 3-D mammography. Denying women this life-saving procedure is a step backwards,” says Misialek.
Dr. Misialek was recently interviewed by Channel 5 television. You can view the interview here. Additionally, Dr. Misialek was also interviewed by WBZ radio, and you can listen to that interview here.
We at MBCC believe that prevention should be a primary focus in order to eradicate breast cancer. We also believe that all women deserve to have the best possible medical treatment available, and recognize the value 3-D mammography provides. Therefore, we urge Cigna to reconsider their decision, and ask that you join us in contacting Cigna’s president and CEO David Cordani via email at satisfaction2@cigna.com or via mail at 900 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002.