Shop Plans
Health
Find a Health Plan
We offer a complete choice of plans to meet your coverage needs and fit your budget.
More Plans
Travel
Cancer
VIP
Dental
Get a Dental Plan
We offer three Traditional plans and three Certified plans to meet your needs.
Medicare
Pick a Medicare Plan
Thinking about your Medicare options? Find out which plan is right for you.
Find Doctor or Drug
Find a Doctor
Find a Doctor or Drug
Pick a directory to search or find other helpful information about drug resources, quality programs and more.
Directories
Louisiana Provider Directory
Quality Blue Directory
National Provider Directory
BlueDental Advantage Plus Directory
Davis Vision Directory
Hospital Based Physicians
ER/OR Information
Are you planning a hospital stay? If you just found out that you need surgery, or if you will be admitted to a hospital or ambulatory surgical center for any reason, you will most likely receive some care during your stay from a hospital-based physician. Learn more.
Other Directories
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core
Federal Employee Program (FEP)
Rx Drug Resources
Manage your medicine, find drug lists and learn how to save money.
Quality Programs
Quality Blue Programs
We work with doctors, hospitals and clinics around Louisiana to make sure you have a better healthcare experience.
Save Money
$25 Gym Memberships
Find a Gym
For just $25 a month and a $25 enrollment fee, you'll have access to 9,000 participating fitness locations around the state and nation.
More Money-Saving Tips
Find Discounts
Lower Drug Costs
Preventive Care Services
Primary Care Doctor
Pick a Primary Care Doctor
Picking a primary care doctor is an important step to staying healthy and saving money.
Choose the Right Care
Where you and go and who you see for treatment is a big part of getting quality healthcare while saving money.
Wellness
Discounts
Get discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, healthy eating, prescriptions and more.
More Wellness Tips
Tools
Member Programs
Find a Program
Whether you want to quit smoking or find the right doctor, we have many programs to help.
Wellness Library
Learn About Wellness
Read articles, take quizzes, watch videos and listen to podcasts about many health topics.
Learn
Insurance 101
Learn the Basics
Understand your plan, learn about health savings accounts, and watch helpful videos.
Social
Find Us on Social Media
Join the conversation and stay connected with us for exclusive content.
Straight Talk
Get Straight Answers
If you're looking for a straight answer to your healthcare questions, this is the place.
My Account
My Account Information
Claims
Benefits
Costs
Statements
Pharmacy
Manage Account
Manage Your Account
Pay your bill, view your statements or update your email or password.
Forms
Other Coverage Questionnaire
Authorized Delegate
Health Assessment
When symptoms suggest cancer, your healthcare provider may advise any of these procedures to help diagnose it:
A full health history—both family and personal
Thorough physical exam
Pelvic exam of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, bladder, and rectum
Pap test at the time of pelvic exam (women only)
Rectal exam of the prostate (men only)
Other procedures that may be done are:
Imaging tests, such as:
X-ray. Images of bones, certain organs, and tissues are made with a controlled beam of radiation.
CT scan. This test uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
Radionuclide or nuclear medicine scan. A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. A machine then measures levels of radioactivity in certain tissues or organs. It detects any abnormal areas or tumors. Some examples are bone scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image on a screen of the stomach organs, such as the uterus, liver, and kidneys.
MRI. This test uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to give detailed views of organs and internal structures without the use of X-rays. MRI scans can give different information than standard X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans.
Endoscopy. A healthcare provider uses a flexible tube with a lens or tiny camera and a light on the end. This endoscope is connected to a computer screen. It allows the healthcare provider to see inside the hollow organs. These include the esophagus, stomach, intestines, bladder, or uterus. Biopsy samples (tiny pieces of tissue) can be taken through the tube for more testing.
Lab tests. These are done to look at blood, urine, other fluids, or tumor tissue from a biopsy.
Biopsy. This test removes a sample of tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue in a lab. A biopsy can be done using several different procedures depending on the location of the tumor and its size. Endoscopy, needle biopsy with image guidance, and surgical biopsy are a few examples of how a biopsy can be done.
For most types of cancer, exams and imaging tests might suggest a person has cancer. But a biopsy is always needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Once the cancer is diagnosed, an evaluation will be made to find out the extent (stage) of the cancer. This is often done with some of the imaging tests described above.