\n FALLS CHURCH, Va.\u00a0\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u00a0
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Did you know that it\u2019s possible to detect some types of cancer before you show any signs or symptoms? Getting preventive screening tests makes this possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cScreening tests are a powerful tool for taking care of your health \u2014 If you have cancer, finding it early can help make it easier to treat,\u201d said Jeannine Pickrell, MS, RN, director, Population Health, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. \u201cIt\u2019s important to know which screenings are recommended for you and when you should get them.\u201d<\/p>\n
TRICARE covers cancer screenings<\/a> based on your age, sex, and certain risk factors. Learn about which tests may be recommended for you.<\/p>\n Many cancer screenings are covered as part of a\u00a0Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Examination<\/a> or a well-woman exam<\/a>. These exams are a good time to talk to your provider about:<\/p>\n
TRICARE covers certain screening tests for the following types of cancer.<\/p>\n Breast cancer
TRICARE also covers an annual breast MRI<\/a> screening for women ages 30 and older who have a 20% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.<\/p>\n Cancer of female reproductive organs
Cancers of male reproductive organs TRICARE covers annual testicular cancer exams<\/a> for males ages 13\u201339 who have a history of certain conditions.<\/p>\n Colorectal cancer Lung cancer
TRICARE only covers this screening when you get it from a network provider<\/a>.<\/p>\n Oral and pharyngeal cancers Skin cancer Thyroid cancer Knowing how TRICARE covers screenings can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Keep these things in mind before you get a screening.<\/p>\n
New tests are helping people screen for other types of cancer before they show symptoms. TRICARE\u2019s Laboratory Developed Tests Demonstration<\/a> covers the GRAIL Galleri test. This is a blood test that can screen for more than 50 types of cancer.<\/p>\n For TRICARE to cover this test, you must:<\/p>\n Here are some other things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
Preventive screenings are meant to find cancer before you have symptoms. But it\u2019s also important to pay attention to changes in your physical health. See your provider as soon as possible if you show signs or symptoms that could mean cancer.<\/p>\n
\n Your risk factors for different cancers
\n Which cancers you should be screened for
\n Which screening tests you should use
\n How often you should be screened
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\nMammograms and breast MRI are ways to screen for breast cancer<\/a>. TRICARE covers mammograms<\/a> every 12 months for:<\/p>\n
\n Women ages 40 and older who are at average risk of breast cancer
\n Women ages 30 and older who have certain risk factors or a 15% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
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\nPap tests and HPV DNA testing are two ways to screen for cervical cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n TRICARE covers Pap tests<\/a> for women ages 21 and older. Your doctor should also perform a pelvic examination when you get a Pap test.
\n TRICARE covers HPV DNA testing for women ages 30 and older. You must get this testing at the same time you get a Pap test.
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\nTRICARE covers prostate cancer exams<\/a> for men based on your age and other factors. Your family history and race determine whether you should be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 40, 45, or 50.<\/p>\n
\nTRICARE covers various types of colorectal cancer screenings<\/a> for people ages 45 and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. The type of test you use determines how often TRICARE will cover this test for you.<\/p>\n
\nDo you have a history of smoking? TRICARE covers an annual CT scan to screen for lung cancer<\/a> if all of the following apply to you:<\/p>\n
\n You\u2019re 50 to 80 years old.
\n You have a 20 pack per year history of smoking, you currently smoke, or you\u2019ve quit smoking within the past 15 years.
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\nTRICARE covers a complete oral cavity exam as part of routine preventive care for adults at high risk due to exposure to tobacco or excessive amounts of alcohol.<\/p>\n
\nTRICARE covers skin cancer exams<\/a> for people with certain risk factors, including family history and frequent sun exposure.<\/p>\n
\nTRICARE covers thyroid cancer exams<\/a>\u00a0for adults with a history of exposure to radiation to the upper body.<\/p>\n
\n Follow your plan\u2019s rules. Cancer screening tests are preventive care. This means you\u2019ll have no out-of-pocket costs for covered screening tests when you follow your plan\u2019s rules for getting care<\/a>.
\n Make sure your test is covered. TRICARE doesn\u2019t cover all types of screening tests. For example, TRICARE doesn\u2019t cover blood-based or stool-based RNA testing to screen for colorectal cancer. If you aren\u2019t sure if TRICARE will cover a certain screening test, you can talk to your doctor or call your TRICARE contractor<\/a>.
\n Do you have TRICARE For Life<\/a>? In the U.S. and U.S. territories, you must also follow Medicare\u2019s rules for getting preventive care<\/a>.
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\n The GRAIL Galleri test isn\u2019t part of TRICARE\u2019s preventive health benefit.
\n TRICARE will cover one test per lifetime.
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