MARCH 6, 2026 – Did you know that it’s possible to detect some types of cancer before you show any signs or symptoms? Getting preventive screening tests makes this possible.
“Screening tests are a powerful tool for taking care of your health — If you have cancer, finding it early can help make it easier to treat,” said Jeannine Pickrell, MS, RN, director, Population Health, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “It’s important to know which screenings are recommended for you and when you should get them.”
TRICARE covers cancer screenings based on your age, sex, and certain risk factors. Learn about which tests may be recommended for you.
What’s covered
Many cancer screenings are covered as part of a Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Examination or a well-woman exam. These exams are a good time to talk to your provider about:
- Your risk factors for different cancers
- Which cancers you should be screened for
- Which screening tests you should use
- How often you should be screened
TRICARE covers certain screening tests for the following types of cancer.
Breast cancer
Mammograms and breast MRI are ways to screen for breast cancer. TRICARE covers mammograms every 12 months for:
- Women ages 40 and older who are at average risk of breast cancer
- Women ages 30 and older who have certain risk factors or a 15% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
TRICARE also covers an annual breast MRI screening for women ages 30 and older who have a 20% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Cancer of female reproductive organs
Pap tests and HPV DNA testing are two ways to screen for cervical cancer.
- TRICARE covers Pap tests for women ages 21 and older. Your doctor should also perform a pelvic examination when you get a Pap test.
- TRICARE covers HPV DNA testing for women ages 30 and older. You must get this testing at the same time you get a Pap test.
Cancers of male reproductive organs
TRICARE covers prostate cancer exams for men based on your age and other factors. Your family history and race determine whether you should be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 40, 45, or 50.
TRICARE covers annual testicular cancer exams for males ages 13–39 who have a history of certain conditions.
Colorectal cancer
TRICARE covers various types of colorectal cancer screenings for people ages 45 and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. The type of test you use determines how often TRICARE will cover this test for you.
Lung cancer
Do you have a history of smoking? TRICARE covers an annual CT scan to screen for lung cancer if all of the following apply to you:
- You’re 50 to 80 years old.
- You have a 20 pack per year history of smoking, you currently smoke, or you’ve quit smoking within the past 15 years.
TRICARE only covers this screening when you get it from a network provider.
Oral and pharyngeal cancers
TRICARE covers a complete oral cavity exam as part of routine preventive care for adults at high risk due to exposure to tobacco or excessive amounts of alcohol.
Skin cancer
TRICARE covers skin cancer exams for people with certain risk factors, including family history and frequent sun exposure.
Thyroid cancer
TRICARE covers thyroid cancer exams for adults with a history of exposure to radiation to the upper body.
Tips for getting screenings
Knowing how TRICARE covers screenings can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Keep these things in mind before you get a screening.
- Follow your plan’s rules. Cancer screening tests are preventive care. This means you’ll have no out-of-pocket costs for covered screening tests when you follow your plan’s rules for getting care.
- Make sure your test is covered. TRICARE doesn’t cover all types of screening tests. For example, TRICARE doesn’t cover blood-based or stool-based RNA testing to screen for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t sure if TRICARE will cover a certain screening test, you can talk to your doctor or call your TRICARE contractor.
- Do you have TRICARE For Life? In the U.S. and U.S. territories, you must also follow Medicare’s rules for getting preventive care.
Emerging ways to screen for cancer
New tests are helping people screen for other types of cancer before they show symptoms. TRICARE’s Laboratory Developed Tests Demonstration covers the GRAIL Galleri test. This is a blood test that can screen for more than 50 types of cancer.
For TRICARE to cover this test, you must:
- Meet the eligibility criteria for the GRAIL Galleri test. You might be eligible if you’re age 50 or older and you have certain risk factors.
- Get pre-authorization. Your provider will ask you to complete an informed consent document before requesting pre-authorization from your TRICARE contractor.
Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- The GRAIL Galleri test isn’t part of TRICARE’s preventive health benefit.
- TRICARE will cover one test per lifetime.
Pay attention to symptoms
Preventive screenings are meant to find cancer before you have symptoms. But it’s also important to pay attention to changes in your physical health. See your provider as soon as possible if you show signs or symptoms that could mean cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, common warning signs for cancer include:
- Swelling or lumps your neck, underarm, stomach, groin, or other body parts
- Sores that don’t heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Changes in your breasts
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Obvious changes in a wart or mole
Your provider may order diagnostic testing to determine if you have cancer or another medical condition.
Getting routine preventive care and paying attention to your body are important ways to catch problems early and stay healthy. Be sure to talk to your provider if you have questions or concerns about your health.
Courtesy Story
Defense Health Agency