bcbsnm.com/turquoise-care 7 CERVICAL CANCER When to get screened Cervical cancer screenings save lives. You can help protect yourself. Here’s how. Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is at the lower part of the uterus, where a baby grows. Cancer starts when abnormal cells grow too quickly in your cervix. Screening tests Two types of tests are often done to help prevent cervical cancer or to find it early. 1. The HPV test looks for a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus can cause cells to change. The test will show if you have a type of HPV that is more likely to involve cervical cancer. 2. Pap tests, or Pap smears, can also find abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous. Removing these precancerous cells prevents cervical cancer over 95% of the time. The current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for most women are that women ages 21 to 29 should get a Pap test every three years. Women 30 to 65 years old should get one of the following: ■A Pap test every three years ■An HPV test every five years ■A Pap test and HPV test together every five years Women over 65 should ask their health care provider if they need to continue screening. This also applies to women without a cervix who have never had cancer or any abnormal test results. Sticking to recommended screening schedules is key to reducing your risk for cervical cancer. Don’t delay seeing your health care provider if you are due for a screening. Get your mammogram A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer early, which is helpful when treating cancer. Women 40 and older should get mammograms regularly. During a mammogram The mammography technologist may ask if you: ■Have ever had breast cancer, or if anyone in your family has ever had it ■Have noticed any recent changes in your breasts ■Have breast implants ■Think you may be pregnant ■Are breastfeeding Mammograms may be uncomfortable. However, any discomfort goes away soon. After the exam You should receive your results from the radiologist within a couple of weeks. The radiologist also will send a copy to your health care provider. If the radiologist finds anything abnormal, they will ask you to return for additional screening. These extra pictures can help the radiologist understand what the abnormality is. Keep in mind that being called back for additional screening doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Most of the time, breast changes do not indicate cancer. But it’s important to know for sure. Make an appointment Don’t put off your mammogram! For help finding a mammogram provider, call Member Services at 866-689-1523.
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