Cancer screening for women
Breast cancer screening
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana encourages you to:
- Do a breast self-exam every month.
- A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts. You should receive a mammogram every other year beginning at age 40. Your doctor may want you to get a mammogram earlier. Talk to your doctor about whether it’s time to have a mammogram.
A mammogram and monthly self-exams can find breast cancer early. Cancer that is found early is easier to treat.
Make sure you:
- Talk to your doctor about when to get your mammogram
- Talk to your doctor or call Member Services about where to get your mammogram
- Get a prescription from your doctor to have your mammogram
You do not need a referral or prior authorization to get a mammogram.
Cervical cancer
Did you know that Pap tests, HPV testing, and regular pelvic exams can help find cervical cancer? This cancer forms in the cervix. The cervix is an organ between your uterus and vagina. Most cervical cancers start with an infection called HPV. If HPV is not treated by your doctor, it can turn into cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests and HPV tests help find HPV, so it can be treated .
Cervical cancer screenings should be done between the ages of 21 – 64. You should:
• Get a Pap test every 3 years (ages 21 – 64), or
• Get a Pap and HPV test every 5 years (ages 30 – 64).
Want more information about cervical cancer screenings? Download and print one of our brochures below to read any time or to share with a friend.