A screening looks for cancer before you have any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
Scientists are trying to better understand which people are more likely to get certain types of cancer. They also study the things we do and the things around us to see if they cause cancer. This information helps doctors recommend who should be screened for cancer, which screening tests should be used and how often the tests should be done.
Important disclaimer
It is important for beneficiaries to use network providers for services whenever possible. Prime beneficiaries must have an approved referral on file before receiving clinical preventive services (including colorectal screenings) from a non-network provider, or Point of Service (POS) will apply.
Cologuard™ referral is no longer required for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. If your physician provides you with Cologuard™, a referral is no longer required prior to testing.
TRICARE covers annual mammograms for all women who are age 40 or older and for women age 30 or older who are at a 15% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) have developed a risk assessment tool to estimate a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. It is important to have any new breast mass, lump or breast change checked by a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing breast diseases.
Other possible symptoms include:
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. It is important to have any new breast mass, lump or breast change checked by a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing breast diseases.
The following are risk factors for breast cancer:
You should get a breast screening if you are:
