More than a third of Idaho women over age 40 didn't receive breast cancer screening in the last two years, putting Idaho in last place nationally in cancer screening mammogram rates.

The Cancer Data Registry of Idaho estimates that more than 122,000 Idaho women in that demographic group haven't had a mammogram during that time period.

"Mammography screening is an important tool in making early diagnosis of breast cancer and saving lives," says Patti Moran, who heads up the cancer program at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. "Idaho has consistently ranked at or near the bottom for breast cancer screening. We want Idaho women to take note, and if they are 40 or older and haven't had a mammogram this year, to make an appointment today to get screened. It could save their life."

The earlier a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the better her chances of survival, Moran says. For women diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is confined to their breast tissue, about 95 percent will survive five years or longer. But for women diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer has begun to spread, one out of four will die within five years.

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women beginning at age 40. In the last two years, however, only 64 percent of Idaho women aged 40 or older reported getting screened for breast cancer, leaving Idaho far behind states with the highest screening rates. In 2010, Massachusetts ranked best among states in breast cancer screening, at 83.6 percent. The national average is 76 percent.

Since 2008, cancer has been the leading cause of death among women in Idaho. Breast cancer is the second leading cancer death among women, behind lung cancer. In 2009, more than 1,100 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed among women in Idaho and 185 women died of breast cancer.

"While we can't be sure why Idaho's rates remain consistently low, we do know that lacking health insurance that helps covers the cost of the screening may be a factor," Moran says. She notes that with the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans now offer mammography screening without a co-pay. Moran says she encourages women who have insurance, but still feel they can't afford the screening, to check with their health insurer to determine current costs.

Statistics also show that low-income women are less likely to be screened. Of the Idaho women who haven't been screened in the last two years, almost 70 percent live in households with incomes of less than $50,000.

There are some resources available for women who experience barriers to getting screened. The federally funded Idaho Women's Health Check offers free screening to a small number of women who qualify. Operation Pink B.A.G., a collaborative project aimed at increasing Idaho's screening mammography rates, also has additional information about resources to help women get screened.

Women also can call the 211 Idaho CareLine to find out about screenings in their area.

"The bottom line is that we need to encourage all Idaho women who are 40 or older to get regular screening mammograms," says Moran. "One out of eight women will get breast cancer during their lives, so early detection is their best protection."