The threat of breast cancer is increasing in this country -- 1 out of 8 women born the United States will contract this terrible disease during her lifetime. And the risk of breast cancer increases with age. That's why it is so important for older women to get regular mammograms.

Medicare covers mammograms, but the data show that, over a two year period, fewer than 40 percent of women aged 65 and older who are on Medicare take advantage of this benefit. To increase the use of mammography among our nation's older women, the Clinton Administration has launched a Medicare mammography awareness campaign.

In honor of Mother's Day, Mrs. Clinton kicked off this initiative with a "Mama-gram" campaign. The campaign included public service announcements and store displays, bill inserts and grocery store bags carrying information about mammography and Medicare. In addition, free "mama-grams" -- mammography reminders -- were available at greeting card shops and FTD florists to be slipped into a Mother's Day card or bouquet.

Facts You Should Know...

• Mammograms are the best weapon we have against breast cancer. They can find breast cancer early, when it is too small to be felt or seen. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives and makes treatment easier.

• If you are a woman on Medicare aged 65 and older, you should know that Medicare covers mammograms every other year even if there is no reason to believe that there is a problem with the health of your breasts. If you have symptoms or if other circumstances suggest that you may have breast disease, Medicare will cover more frequent mammograms when they are ordered by a doctor.

• To ensure the reliability of mammograms, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put in place quality standards for mammography facilities, and the Agency for Health Care Policy Research (AHCPR) has published guidelines that tell health care professionals and consumers what they need to do to obtain high quality mammograms. When you get a mammogram, make sure that the facility you are using is displaying a certification from the FDA.

• The older you are, the more important it is for you to take care of your breasts. This means getting regular mammograms, clinical breast exams from your doctor or other qualified health professional, and examining your breasts regularly yourself.

For more information...

About mammograms and breast cancer, call the National Cancer Institute hotline at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

About Medicare coverage of mammograms, call the Health Care Financing Administration's hotline at 1-800-638-6833.

About Food and Drug Administration certified mammogram facilities, call 1-800-249-6772.

About how to get a copy of a pamphlet from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research about quality mammograms, call 1-800-358-9295.