Marina
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Kansas women and the second-leading cause of cancer death—which is why awareness, screening, and access matter now.
This Part 4 special breaks down what’s changed in 2024–2025 (including screening guidelines), how Kansas programs can help with free or low-cost mammograms, and practical steps you can take today.
What’s new in screening (and why it matters)
The national guideline now recommends mammograms every other year starting at age 40 through 74 for women at average risk.
This update lowers the start age from older guidance and is intended to save more lives by catching cancers earlier—especially important given rising diagnoses among women in their 40s.
The recommendation has a strong grade, which means many insurers cover it. Starting at 40 improves early detection.
Kansas help: Free screening & programs
Kansas’s Early Detection Works (EDW) program provides free breast and cervical cancer screening to eligible residents. For breast screening, EDW enrolls women ages 40-64 who lack health insurance and meet income limits.
The EDW network spans the state and can connect you with local providers; typical payment processing timelines for participating providers are also published.
Access to advanced imaging
Major providers in Kansas offer 3D mammography and, in certain cases, abbreviated MRI options (for dense breasts or higher risk).
Talk to your clinician about what’s right for you; mammography remains the primary screening tool for most average-risk women.
Fast facts & figures (2024–2025)
Nationwide, breast cancer continues to affect about 1 in 8 women over a lifetime. Updated data show hundreds of thousands of new cases annually and underscore why adherence to screening matters.
Meanwhile, Kansas health officials continue to study ways to reduce delays from diagnosis to treatment to improve outcomes statewide.
Key 2025 Need-to-Know (Kansas & US)
| Topic | Latest detail | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Start screening age | Begin at 40, every other year through 74 | If you’re 40–74 at average risk, get on a biennial schedule now. |
| Kansas free screening | Free screening for uninsured women 40–64 via EDW | Call the state program to check eligibility and find a local provider. |
| Why earlier screening matters | Rising diagnoses among women in their 40s; equity concerns for Black women | Starting at 40 improves early detection and survival odds. |
| Advanced imaging | 3D mammograms widely available; abbreviated MRI for selected situations | Ask your clinician if these options fit your risk and breast density. |
| Burden in Kansas | Breast cancer is #1 by incidence and #2 by mortality among Kansas women | Staying on schedule is one of the most powerful steps you can take. |
How to act today
- Check your age and risk. If you’re 40–74 and at average risk, schedule a mammogram. If you’re higher-risk (family history, genetic variants, prior chest radiation), talk to your doctor about personalized scheduling.
- Use the state screening program if you’re uninsured. Kansas residents meeting eligibility criteria can access no-cost screening; the state program can guide you to a nearby provider.
- Ask about technology. Inquire about 3D mammography or whether supplemental imaging is appropriate for your situation. Advanced imaging might offer benefit in certain cases.
Early detection saves lives. With the new screening start at age 40, the strong state program for uninsured Kansans, and improved imaging options, there’s never been a clearer path to staying on schedule.
If you’re due—or overdue—book your mammogram now, share this information with someone you love, and keep the momentum of Breast Cancer Awareness going well beyond October.