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Cervical cancer can usually be found early by having regular
Pap tests. As Pap testing became routine in this country, during the
past half century pre-invasive lesions (pre-cancers) of the cervix
became far more common 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 who are diagnosed
with invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap test in the past 5
years. In fact, many of these women have never had a Pap test. In
particular, elderly, African-American, and/or low-income women and
women who are recent immigrants 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.
Last Medical Review: 09/14/2009
Last Revised: 01/19/2010
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