Hologic Applauds Cigna as First National Insurer to Cover Breast Tomosynthesis for Routine Breast Cancer Screening
New policy provides coverage of a more accurate mammogram, the Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, for 12.5 million members nationwide
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hologic Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX) applauds Cigna's decision to cover breast tomosynthesis for routine breast cancer screening.1 Effective immediately, this new policy provides Cigna subscribers insurance coverage for Hologic's Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, the only mammogram clinically proven to detect cancer 15 months earlier than traditional 2D screenings.2
Cigna is the first national insurer to provide coverage of 3D™ mammograms for annual breast cancer screening for all women over age 40, and for high-risk women starting at age 25. Cigna changed its policy based on recent guidance from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), which highlighted extensive clinical research supporting the benefits of breast tomosynthesis. With this policy change, the Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, shown to detect 40 percent more invasive cancers and reduce recalls by up to 41 percent, is now covered for the majority of women across the United States. 3,4
"We commend Cigna for its decision to cover 3D™ mammograms for breast cancer screening and are thrilled for the millions of women who now have access to this proven technology without co-pays or out-of-pocket expenses," said Pete Valenti, Hologic's Division President, Breast and Skeletal Health Solutions. "We urge other national insurers to follow Cigna's lead, because every woman in America deserves access to the Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exam, which detects more invasive cancers, earlier, and helps give women the best possible chance at survival."
Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exams have been available in the U.S. since 2011, and are only available on the Hologic Selenia® Dimensions® mammography system. More than 100 clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of this exam and in 2015, an estimated 10 million women in the U.S. benefited from a Genius™ exam. Additional information, as well as a locator to find imaging sites offering the exams, can be found at http://mygenius3d.com.
About Hologic
Hologic, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostic products, medical imaging systems and surgical products. The Company's core business units focus on diagnostics, breast health, GYN surgical and skeletal health. With a unified suite of technologies and a robust research and development program, Hologic is dedicated to The Science of Sure. For more information on Hologic, visit www.hologic.com.
Hologic, 3D, 3D Mammography, Dimensions, Genius, Selenia, and The Science of Sure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the use of Hologic mammography systems. There can be no assurance the systems will achieve the benefits described here, or that such benefits will be replicated in any particular manner with respect to an individual patient. The actual effect of the use of the systems can only be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the particular circumstances and patient in question. In addition, there can be no assurance that the systems will achieve any expected level of sales or market share. Hologic expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates to the data or statements presented here to reflect any change in the Company's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such data or statements are based.
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1 "Cigna Revises Policy, Will Cover 3D Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening." Cigna, a Global Health Insurance and Health Service Company. Accessed online 23 Aug. 2016.
2 McDonald ES, Oustimov A, Weinstein SP, et al. Effectiveness of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Compared With Digital Mammography. JAMA Oncol. 2016.
3 Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, et al. Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography. JAMA. 2014;311(24):2499-2507.
4 Rose SL, Tidwell AL, Bujnoch LJ, et al. Implementation of breast tomosynthesis in a routine screening practice: an observational study. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013;200(6):1401-1408.
SOURCE Hologic, Inc.
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