Cervical cancer: Top 10 things every woman should to know

By Mark DeVaughn

Health Net Federal Services

Communications Coordinator
With a goal set at having every woman cervical cancer-free, the Health Net Federal Services is reaching out to every TRICARE region spreading the word on the importance of screening.

According to the Health Net statistics, TRICARE beneficiaries who receive health care from civilian providers are screened for cervical cancer less frequently than the national average.

In an effort to change those numbers and save lives, here’s a list of the top 10 things to know cervical cancer:

Cervical cancer is preventable.

Regular Pap tests can catch abnormal cells before they turn into cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is slow growing. On average, it takes 10 years to develop.

Women in their 40s and 50s are at the greatest risk.

No matter how long it’s been, it’s never too late to have a Pap test done.

Early stage cervical cancer can be treated.

Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, human papilloma virus.

There’s a vaccine to protect females from the most dangerous HPVs.

A Pap test is quick, easy and painless.

As a TRICARE beneficiary, there’s no cost to the patient when seeing a network provider. TRICARE covers Pap tests for women ages 18 and older from a network provider.

For more information, visit the Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign at www.hnfs.com.