Cervical cancer can usually be found early by having regular Pap tests. As Pap testing has become more common, pre-invasive lesions (pre-cancers) of the cervix are found far more frequently than invasive cancer. Being alert to any signs and symptoms of cervical cancer (see "How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?") can also help avoid unnecessary delays in diagnosis. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and prevents any early cervical cell changes from becoming cancerous.

The importance of the Pap test in finding cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes

In countries where women cannot get routine Pap tests, death from cervical cancer is much more common. In fact, cervical cancer is the major cause of cancer deaths in women in many developing countries. These cases are usually diagnosed at a late (invasive) stage, rather than as pre-cancers or early cancers.

Not all American women take advantage of the benefits of Pap test screening. Between 60% and 80% of American women with newly diagnosed invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap test in the past 5 years, and many of these women have never had a Pap test. In particular, elderly, African-American, and/or low-income women are less likely to have regular Pap tests.

Financial assistance for low-income women

Tests for breast cancer and cervical cancer are now more available to medically underserved women through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program offers breast and cervical cancer early detection testing to women without health insurance for free or at very little cost.

The NBCCEDP tries to reach as many women in medically underserved communities as possible, including older women, women without health insurance, and women of racial and ethnic minority groups. Although each state runs its own program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give matching funds and support to each state program.

This program is offered mainly through nonprofit organizations and local health clinics, and is aimed at providing testing for breast and cervical cancer in medically underserved women. Each state’s Department of Health will have information on how to contact the nearest participating program.