Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, yet it still affects thousands of people each year. Routine screenings can help detect changes early, leading to better health outcomes.
Here are some things you should know about cervical cancer and prevention screenings.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix (the lower end of the uterus) and develops slowly over time. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
What can people do to lower their risk of developing cervical cancer?
The HPV vaccine can help protect against high-risk strains of the virus. This vaccination is recommended for people ages 9–26, though adults as old as 45 may benefit from vaccination. Even if you have been vaccinated for HPV, it’s still important to get screened for cervical cancer regularly.
Why should you get screened?
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. This makes the condition difficult to detect without an examination and makes regular screenings particularly important for prevention and early detection.
What is involved in a cervical cancer screening?
The most common kind of screening for cervical cancer is a Pap smear or Pap test. This examination can identify changes in cells before they become cancerous and can catch cervical cancer early, when the condition is highly treatable.
When should you get screened?
It’s important to talk with your primary care provider (PCP) about what screening methods and schedule are right for you. For people with average risk, recommended screening guidelines vary by age.
- Screenings should start in your 20s
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends people with average risk get their first Pap test at age 21. Further cervical exams are recommended every three years through a person’s twenties.
- Recommendations change at age 30
From age 30 to 65, screening should include a Pap test every three years and an HPV test every 5 years. Some providers may do a combined Pap/HPV test.
- Screenings typically stop after age 65
Individuals at normal risk and with a history of normal test results may be able to stop getting screened after the age of 65.
What do my screening results mean?
The results of a screening will fall into one of the following categories:
- Normal or negative
No abnormal cervical cells were found.
- Unsatisfactory
Not enough cells were collected for analysis, or those that were collected could not be analyzed effectively. An unsatisfactory result means that a repeat test will likely need to be conducted.
- Abnormal or positive
An ‘abnormal’ result doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but the analysis of collected cells found something unusual. Speak with your healthcare provider to understand the next appropriate steps, which could include further testing, monitoring, or treatment.
Is screening covered by your Premera health plan?
Most Premera health plans cover regular cervical cancer screenings as preventive care, and appropriate, routine screenings should not result in out-of-pocket costs to you.
Re-tests or visits to follow-up on abnormal test results may be covered differently and could involve a copay.
- To learn more about your benefits, call the number on the back of your member ID card. A customer service team member will be able to help you understand your benefits.
Schedule your screening today
If you’re due—or overdue—for cervical cancer screening, contact your PCP today.
Don’t have a PCP? Premera has several options for members, including easy access to providers through Kinwell clinics. Schedule an appointment at kinwellhealth.com.
Or find an in-network provider using the Find Care tool on premera.com. Sign in and browse by category using the Primary Care tile. There’s no time like the present to schedule a screening. Remember—cervical cancer is preventable and highly treatable with early detection.
For more information, visit the cervical cancer screening page on the Premera website.
