Little Rock, Ark. – January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) BreastCare program coordinates with a statewide network of providers to offer no-cost cervical and breast cancer screenings and follow-up services.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and routine Pap tests to detect pre-cancers. Yet in 2025, an estimated 150 Arkansas women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 60 will die from it. The state currently ranks 5th lowest (tied with Hawaii) for screenings that can detect cervical cancer and 11th lowest for HPV vaccination rates among young women. While cervical cancer screening rates among females in Arkansas have improved over the years, we still have a long way to go. We must continue to educate and promote HPV vaccination as a cancer prevention measure.
Cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) are generally associated with poor outcomes and higher treatment costs. Women diagnosed at earlier stages have a greater chance of survival. Cervical screening services are critical for early detection and better treatment outcomes. Cervical cancer can be detected early and, in some cases, even prevented through regular screening tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is among the most successfully treatable cancers.
Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer through the ADH BreastCare program. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled about 159,353 women in breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. The program also provides educational information to communities on the importance of regular cervical cancer screening.
For more information about cervical cancer screening, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit the BreastCare Program at the Arkansas Department of Health to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are, there is a BreastCare provider near you.