An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | April 9, 2024

The Power of Prevention: Get Cancer Screenings With TRICARE

By TRICARE Communications

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, catching cancer early is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from cancer.

That’s where routine cancer screenings come in. Screening tests can find many common cancers before they cause symptoms.

“Finding cancer early can make a big difference in your treatment options,” said Dr. Ross Colt, medical director of Clinical Oversight and Integration for the TRICARE Health Plan. “If you’ve been putting off a screening that’s recommended for you, it’s time to make it a priority.”

By screening for cancer, you can take control of your health and potentially catch cancers before they progress.

Getting screenings

TRICARE covers a wide range of cancer screenings at no cost to you when you follow your plan’s rules for getting preventive care. Check out the TRICARE Costs and Fees Fact Sheet to learn more about preventive care costs. You can get many cancer screenings during your annual Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Examination.

The recommended cancer screenings depend on your age, sex, and risk factors.

For women, TRICARE covers:

  • Mammograms to check for breast cancer every year, usually starting at age 40
  • Pap tests starting at age 21 to look for cervical cancer

For men, TRICARE covers: 

For both men and women, TRICARE covers:

Recognizing cancer symptoms

It’s important to remember that preventive screenings are meant to find cancer before you have symptoms.

If you show signs or symptoms that could mean cancer, see your doctor as soon as possible. Common warning signs include:

  • Lumps or thickening in the breasts, testicles, or other body parts
  • Sores that don’t heal
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge
  • Chronic cough or hoarseness
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Obvious changes in a wart or mole

“No one wants to get a cancer diagnosis, but preventive screenings can help find cancer early, when it’s most treatable,” said Colt. “You should take advantage of these covered screenings. They could save your life.”

Questions about cancer screenings? Ask your doctor at your next visit, or learn more about how TRICARE covers cancer screenings.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 

Woman smiles while working on a laptop.

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Youn...

News
May. 22, 2025

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how...
Read More
Service member examines medication at a military pharmacy.

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescri...

News
May. 20, 2025

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy...
Read More
A man poses for a photo in a maintenance shop with a saw table behind him.

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

News
May. 14, 2025

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you...
Read More
Dentist and pediatric patient give thumbs up.

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care...

News
May. 13, 2025

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important...
Read More
Two nurses wearing blue scrubs and face masks point to chart on a wall.

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary ...

News
May. 09, 2025

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every...
Read More
Man and woman smile while holding a baby.

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime At...

News
May. 07, 2025

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are...
Read More
Map of West Region states and TRICARE logo. Text: Referral approval waiver: Referral approvals are waived through June 30.

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval ...

News
Apr. 30, 2025

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has...
Read More
TRICARE logo; map of West Region U.S. states in blue. Text reads "Attention West Region Beneficiaries: Submit your payments by April 30 to avoid disenrollment. If you are disenrolled, call TriWest at 888-TRIWEST to reinstate your TRICARE health plan."

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West R...

News
Apr. 29, 2025

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic...
Read More

May 22, 2025

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Young Adults

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how this milestone affects their TRICARE health coverage. Here’s what you need to know about TRICARE health plan options for young adults.

May 20, 2025

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescriptions: Your Questions Answered

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. You should be familiar with certain terms that can help you make the most of your pharmacy benefit, including prior authorization. Prior authorization is a routine process to ensure your prescription drug is medically necessary and cost effective.

May 14, 2025

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is available, and TRICARE is here to support you.

May 13, 2025

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care for Children

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important that children get proper dental care from an early age. This helps them maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. The TRICARE Dental Program provides dental coverage for eligible children of service members, helping your children access important dental care.

May 9, 2025

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary Ready Force

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every service member is fit to fight, that our medical teams are trained and ready, and that our families receive the care they deserve. This week, we honor the strength and dedication of the extraordinary professionals who serve both our country and warfighters with unwavering courage. Whether they are on the frontlines, in field hospitals or at military medical centers around the world, their commitment to care under the most challenging conditions inspires us all.

May 7, 2025

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa, Competitive Plans Demonstration Options Starting in 2026

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are about to expand. Starting in January 2026, TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa options, a Competitive Plans Demonstration, will bring more choices to eligible beneficiaries. These options are administered by CareSource Military & Veterans. Enrollees will get care from CSMV’s network of primary and specialty care providers.

April 30, 2025

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval Waiver Through June 30 for West Region TRICARE Prime Enrollees

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through June 30. TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest Healthcare Alliance to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care.

April 29, 2025

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West Region? Here’s How To Reinstate Your Coverage After April 30

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If you haven’t done so already, you must securely provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by April 30. If you haven’t submitted payment to TriWest by April 30, you and your family members will be disenrolled from your TRICARE plan on May 1. This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date.

April 24, 2025

Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions on April 26, National Drug Take Back Day

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of unwanted, expired, or excess medications. But it’s also important to know that military pharmacies offer ways to safely dispose of drugs all year long through the Military Health System Drug Take Back program.

April 22, 2025

Want To Learn About TRICARE For Life? Check Out This Handbook

You may be approaching age 65, or you may have a disability or a medical condition that makes you eligible for Medicare and TRICARE For Life before you turn age 65. In either case, you’ll benefit from checking out the TRICARE For Life Handbook.