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About Us
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A not-for-profit ministry of
Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust Inc.
Church of the Brethren Insurance Services provides ancillary coverage for ministers and other employees of congregations, districts, and camps.
Medical and ancillary plans are available to Brethren-affiliated employer groups.
Long-Term Care insurance is available for all members of the Church of the Brethren, their family and friends, and employees of Church of the Brethren-affiliated agencies, organizations, colleges, and retirement communities. |
Contact Us
1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
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Greetings!
Fall has officially arrived! The month of October brings visions of pumpkins, apple cider, Indian corn, hay rides, piles of leaves, scarecrows, and corn mazes.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so this month's newsletter includes links to several articles that provide education and information on the prevention of breast cancer, along with information about mammograms and other ways to identify problems or concerns.
We've also included links to several episodes of Second Opinion, a television show that features a panel of medical experts and patients talking about health concerns. The episodes highlighted below each focus on the subject of breast cancer treatment and recovery.
Our annual open enrollment for those enrolled in our ancillary plans is currently underway. We have negotiated an open enrollment for our life and disability plans, so if you are eligible and you've never applied for these plans, you have an opportunity to apply without providing proof of insurability (unless you request more than the guaranteed issue amount for supplemental and dependent life insurance). Enrollment packages will be sent out to all eligible individuals for these plans at the beginning of October.
Those enrolled in our group medical and ancillary plans that renew in January will be receiving updated information about open enrollment very soon. Be sure to watch for this information!
Enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves and the crisp, clear air. But most importantly, take time to reflect upon the past year and begin to prepare for the coming holiday season.
"Even if something is left undone,
everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
- Elizabeth Lawrence
Willie, Diana, Tammy, Randy, Connie
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Mammograms: Still the best for early detection
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Mammography is the best available method to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage, which is approximately one to three years before a woman can feel a lump.
Get the Facts
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for examination of the breasts. It allows a radiologist to identify differences between a normal breast and one that may show signs of cancer.
What to Expect
- You will be required to undress above the waist. The facility will provide a wrap for you to wear.
- A technologist will be present to position your breasts for the mammogram. You and the technologist will be the only people present during the mammogram. Most technologists are women.
- The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. The actual breast compression only lasts a few seconds.
- You may feel some discomfort when your breasts are compressed, but you should not feel pain.
When to Get One
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination as part of a periodic health exam by a medical professional every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
NOTE: In November 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force introduced recommendations stating that most women should not start mammograms before age 50, and that it's best for the tests to come every two years instead of annually. The risk of getting breast cancer does increase with age, so as long as a woman is in good health, she should continue getting routine mammograms. Young women at high risk for breast cancer should discuss with their doctors if earlier screenings are necessary.
Questions to Ask
The following are suggestions for ensuring you will receive a quality mammogram:
- Ask to see the FDA certificate issued to all facilities that meet high professional standards of safety and quality.
- Use a facility that either specializes in mammography or performs mammograms often.
- Bring a list of the places, dates of mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments you may have had before.
Did you know ...?
According to the American Cancer Society, mammograms can often detect breast cancer years before a woman can find a lump herself, and when the disease is caught at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent!
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BCBS-sponsored health series features episodes about breast cancer
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 The Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have partnered with WXXI Productions to bring you Second Opinion, a television series that features panels of doctors, patients, and related experts tackling real-life, complex medical cases. The archives, which are available through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's website, feature several 30-minute breast cancer-related episodes, including "Breast Cancer," "Breast Cancer Recurrence," "Breast Reconstruction," "Life after Breast Cancer," and "Mammography."
Click here to access the complete online archive, and then scroll down and click on "Cancer" to watch those five videos.
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