Take charge of your skin health: How TRICARE supports skin cancer screening and treatment

Key Points:

• TRICARE covers skin cancer exams as part of its Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HP&DP) program, with no copayments for one annual exam, focusing on individuals with risk factors such as family history or increased sun exposure.
• Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S., is largely preventable and treatable if detected early, with ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun being the primary cause of skin damage leading to cancer.
• The CDC recommends protective measures when the UV Index is 3 or higher, including staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Recognizing the warning signs of melanoma through the A-B-C-D-E criteria (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pea, and Evolving changes) is crucial for early detection and prompt medical consultation.
• Additional resources on skin cancer prevention, military sun safety, and treatment options are available through TRICARE, the CDC, the National Cancer Institute, and the Uniformed Services University.