Cervical cancer tests—early detection protects women

All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but did you know it occurs most often in women over 30? Each year, more than 12,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Fortunately, it’s one of the easiest female cancers to detect, and it’s highly treatable when found early.

How to detect cervical cancer

Medicare covers Pap tests, and pelvic exams that can help find cervical and vaginal cancer early and improve recovery and survival rates. Medicare covers these 2 cervical cancer tests once every 24 months for all women. If you’re at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer, or if you’re of child-bearing age and had an abnormal Pap test in the past 36 months, Medicare covers these cervical cancer tests once every 12 months. If you’re age 30–65 without Human Papillomavirus (HPV) symptoms, Medicare covers HPV tests (as part of a Pap test) tests once every 5 years.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, so now’s the perfect time to get screened. Visit our cervical & vaginal cancer screenings page to learn more about how to detect cervical cancer.