Today’s tip is about the importance of screenings and vaccinations to prevent cervical cancer, and comes from an article posted by TRICARE, and written by Dr. Warren Lockette, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Clinical and Program Policy and the chief medical officer of TRICARE Management Activity.

Dr. Warren Lockette January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 4,200 women in the U.S. died from cervical cancer in 2010, and another 12,000 were affected.But cervical cancer is preventable. Regular preventive screenings and recommended immunizations are the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer and provide early detection. As a TRICARE beneficiary, your screenings and immunizations are covered.
 
In addition to screenings, the CDC recommends that girls who are 11 to 12 years old receive the full series of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to protect against cervical cancer and precancerous abnormalities. Currently, Gardisil and Cerverix are the only HPV vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by CDC. TRICARE covers both vaccines for all females ages 11 to 26. HPV vaccinations are not covered after the age of 26. Beneficiaries age 13 to 26 who have not started or finished the vaccine series should receive all missing doses for the greatest protection.

Talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about the HPV vaccine and how it may protect you and your children. To learn more about vaccines, visit MILVAX’s web site at www.vaccines.mil and click “Vaccines and Diseases”.

To read Dr. Lockette’s full article about cervical cancer protection, click here.