Due for cervical cancer screening? BJACH helps patients take the next step

FORT POLK, La. - Busy schedules, uncertainty and anxiety can keep patients from completing cervical cancer screening. At Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, population health and clinical teams work together to help patients understand their screening needs and access care.

“Each ‘overdue’ screening has a human story behind it,” said June Lyons, a registered nurse in population health at BJACH.

Lyons uses health records and screening data to identify patients who may be due for preventive care. Outreach includes calls, patient portal messages, letters and text messages linking to educational materials through the Defense Health Agency’s Virtual Education Center.

“At BJACH, it’s not just about a number or score,” Lyons said.

The goal is to understand what stands between patients and care, then help them take the next step.

Maj. Briana Thurmond, an obstetrician-gynecologist at BJACH, encourages screening even when patients feel well. Identifying abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous can allow earlier intervention.

Thurmond emphasized that a pelvic examination does not automatically include a Pap test. A pelvic exam may be performed for discomfort, abnormal discharge or other concerns without cervical cancer screening. A Pap test specifically samples cervical cells, while HPV testing checks for human papillomavirus.

Providers consider age, medical history and previous results when recommending screening. A Pap test is not automatically needed every year. Patients can ask whether screening is being performed and when their next screening is due.

For patients anxious about a sensitive examination, Thurmond explains each step, moves at their pace and respects their control over the process.

“If at any point I am told to stop the exam, I will stop immediately,” she said.

DHA’s chaperone policy provides another layer of support during sensitive examinations. Staff must offer a chaperone before a sensitive exam, with exceptions for certain emergency situations. Patients can request a chaperone of their preferred sex without explaining why. Staff will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the request and offer rescheduling if the requested chaperone is unavailable.

Routine cervical cancer screening can be completed through primary care without a gynecology referral. If results require additional evaluation, the care team explains the findings and coordinates follow-up.

Patients screened outside BJACH should share their results with the care team so their military health records can be updated.

Lyons encourages patients to ask their primary care team whether they are due for screening.

“We are here to walk alongside you on your healthcare journey, not just to perform a procedure,” she said.

To discuss screening or arrange an appointment, call 726-780-2175 or contact your care team through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series highlighting cervical, colorectal and breast cancer screening at BJACH.