Search Frequently Asked Questions

Return to non-screen reader version

Skip to Global Site Links

Stay Healthy

Cervical Cancer


What is cervical Cancer

Usually, a cancer is named for the part of the body where it starts. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancer. This virus is transferred sexually and can live many years.

How do you know if you have cervical cancer?

It can be hard to tell if you have cervical cancer because you may not have any symptoms. The best way to guard against cervical cancer is to get a regular Pap test to check for any unhealthy changes in the cells of your cervix. A Pap test can catch these changes before they have a chance to become cancerous.

Who is at risk for cervical cancer?

Women of all ages get cervical cancer. However, women in the following ethnic and socio-economic groups have a greater chance of getting it than others:

  • African-American
  • American Indian/Alaskan Native
  • Asian American
  • Uninsured and low income women in rural areas who may not have access to health care and therefore may never have had a Pap test, or have not had one in many years.

Women aged 65 and older and cervical cancer.

Women aged 65 and older have lower rates of cervical cancer than younger women. However, when women in this age group do have cervical cancer, they are more likely to die than are younger women with cervical cancer. About half of all women over 65 have not had a Pap test in the past three years. This means if cancer is found, it will be found at a later stage and harder to treat successfully.

What is Medicare doing to help?

  • Medicare helps cover the cost of a screening Pap test every two years. You do not pay coinsurance or the Part B deductible for the Pap lab test. You do pay the 20 percent co-pay for the Medicare approved amount for a pelvic exam.

  • The short and easy to read CMS brochure Pap Tests for Older Women: A Healthy Habit for Life explains basic points about the Pap test and also gives information about menopause and hysterectomies that may be part of an older woman's health concerns.

Link to top of pageTop of page
Printable-Version Printable-Version
Overview

General Information

Cervical Cancer

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Colorectal Cancer

Depression

Diabetes

Dialysis and Kidneys

Flu and Pneumonia

Glaucoma

Mammography

Osteoporosis


 

    Home  |  Return to non-screen reader version  |   Español  |   Link to Chinese Section  
The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare
Help  |     |   Mailing List Mailing List   |   Questions  

Questions

Medicare Billing 

Medicare Appeals 

Long Term Care 

Plan Choices 

Stay Healthy 

Medicaid Enrollment

Provider Information

Glossary

Privacy Practices

Search Tools 

MMA 2003

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Link to Department of Health and Human Services Website Department of Health and Human Services

221