When cancer cells grow in the lining of thecervix, it’s calledcervical cancer. The most common cause of cervical cancer is thehuman papillomavirus(HPV). Screening tests, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, can help identify abnormal cells on the cervix and diagnose HPV. Cervical cancer screening also reduces the risk of getting cervical cancer, in addition to leading to higher cure rates for invasive cervical cancer.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of health insurance or financial challenges, many women avoid having regular Pap smears. However, there are government and nonprofit programs that can assist people with getting routine cervical cancer screening.
This article will review how to get Pap smears at low to no cost.
Frederic Cirou/Photo Alto Agency RF Collections/Getty Images
Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines are widely used. According to these guidelines, you should start screening at age 21.
In 2020, the American Cancer Society updated its screening guidelines for people at average risk of developing cervical cancer.
These include:
Additional testing and procedures may be needed for those with abnormal screening tests with risk factors such as HIV or who are taking immunosuppressive drugs.
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programis a federally funded program that provides cervical cancer screening to eligible women.
You might be eligible for a free or low-cost Pap smear if:
In addition, people who fall outside of those age ranges may also qualify based on risk factors.
Low-Cost and Free Pap Smear Clinics
Local county health departments and women’s clinics offer free and low-cost Pap smears. For the uninsured, the cost of the test is often based on income level.
Your local Planned Parenthood may also offer low-cost Pap smears. Planned Parenthood is an organization that offerssexual and reproductive health careto individuals, regardless of income.
Finding a Test Center
If you need low-cost or free cervical cancer screening, check out the below resources or visit theCenters for Disease Control(CDC) to find a participating healthcare facility near you.
Alabama
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(334) 206-3905
Alaska
Breast and Cervical Health Check(800) 410-6266 (in state)(907) 269-3491 (outside of state)
American Samoa
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program011 (684) 633-2135
Arizona
Well Woman Healthcheck Program(602) 542-1001
Arkansas
BreastCare Program(877) 670-2273
California
Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts(916) 449-5300
Colorado
Colorado Women’s Cancer Control Initiative(866) 692-2600(303) 692-2600 (in state)
Connecticut
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program(860) 509-7804
Delaware
Screening for Life(888) 459-2943
District of Columbia
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(202) 442-5900(888) 833-9474
Georgia
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program(404) 657-6611
Guam
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(850) 245-4455(617) 735-7174
Hawaii
Hawaii Breast and Cervical Cancer Program(808) 692-7460
Idaho
Women’s Health Check(800) 926-2588
Illinois
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program(888) 522-1282
Indiana
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(317) 234-1356(800) 433-0746
Iowa
Care for Yourself(800) 369-2229
Kansas
Early Detection Works(877) 277-1368
Kentucky
Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program(502) 564-7996 Ext. 3821
Louisiana
Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program(888) 599-1073
Maine
Breast and Cervical Health Program(800) 350-5180 (in state)
Maryland
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program(800) 477-9774
Massachusetts
Women’s Health Network(877) 414-4447
Michigan
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program(800) 922-MAMM
Minnesota
SAGE Screening Program(888) 643-2584
Mississippi
Mississippi Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(800) 721-7222
Missouri
Show Me Healthy Women Program(573) 522-2845
Montana
Breast and Cervical Health Program(888) 803-9343
Nebraska
Every Woman Matters Program(402) 471-0929 (in Lincoln)(800) 532-2227 (outside Lincoln)
Nevada
Women’s Health Connection(888) 463-8942 (in state)(775) 684-5936 (outside of state)
New Hampshire
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program(603) 271-4628
New Jersey
Cancer Education and Early Detection Program(800) 328-3838
New Mexico
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(505) 222-8603(877) 852-2585
New York
Cancer Services Program(800) 4-CANCER(800) ACS-2345
North Carolina
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program(800) 4-CANCER (in state)(919) 715-0111 (outside of state)
North Dakota
Women’s Way Program(800) 449-6636 (in state)(701) 328-2333 (outside of state)
Ohio
Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Project(800) 4-CANCER
Oklahoma
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(888) 669-5934
Oregon
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program(971) 673-0984
Pennsylvania
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(800) 4-CANCER
Puerto Rico
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program(787) 274-3300
Republic of Palau
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program011 (680) 488-4612
Rhode Island
Women’s Cancer Screening Program(401) 222-5960
South Carolina
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(800) 227-2345
South Dakota
All Women Count!(800) 738-2301(in state)
Tennessee
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(615) 532-8494
Texas
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program(512) 458-7796
Utah
Utah Cancer Control Program(801) 538-6712
Vermont
Ladies First(800) 508-2222 1 (800) 319-3141 (TDD)
Virginia
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(800) ACS-2345 (in state)(804) 786-5916 (outside of state)
Washington
Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program(888) 438-2247
West Virginia
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program(800) 4-CANCER
Wisconsin
Well Woman Program(608) 266-8311
Wyoming
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(800) 264-1296
Getting Your Results
It can take up to three weeks to receive your Pap smear results. The following are three possible findings of your test:
The combination of the results of the cells (pap smear) and HPV will help your doctor determine what next steps are needed, such as whether you need a procedure like a colposcopy or when your next pap smear is due. The determination of when your next pap smear is due depends on the results of your current pap smear/HPV test, as well as taking into account the results of any abnormal pap smears in the recent past.
Although HPV is not curable, some strains will naturally resolve within two years. Since HPV is asexually transmitted infection(STI), it’s important to practice safer sex while you are positive for the virus.
You will likely receive a letter if your test results are normal. If your test results are abnormal, your healthcare provider or nurse will call you with the next steps. However, be sure to contact your healthcare provider if you don’t receive your results or have any questions.
Summary
Cervical cancer is treatable and curable if caught early. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. Pap smears and HPV testing help find abnormal cells on the cervix and diagnose HPV. Unfortunately, many people do not have the resources to undergo routine cervical cancer screening. However, several programs help connect you to low-cost or free Pap smears and HPV testing.
A Word From Verywell
Research shows that proper screening identifies about 97% of cervical cancer at aprecancerous stage.The best way to prevent HPV is to be vaccinated against it. It is recommended that everyone between ages 9 and 26 receive the vaccine. Anyone between 27 and 45 who hasn’t been vaccinated is still eligible to receive the vaccine and the decision is made on an individual basis. You should still undergo routine cervical cancer screening if you’ve been vaccinated. Ask your healthcare provider if you are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on your state, a Pap smear with a pelvic exam can cost between $121-$247.
In addition to scheduling your test at a time when you aren’t having your period, the following should be avoided within two days of a Pap smear:DouchingUse of tamponsHaving sexUsing birth control foam, cream, or jellyUsing medicine or cream in your vagina
In addition to scheduling your test at a time when you aren’t having your period, the following should be avoided within two days of a Pap smear:
Cervical Cancer Healthcare Provider Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Download PDF
Email AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Sign Up
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer.Shami S, Coombs J.Cervical cancer screening guidelines: an update.JAAPA. 2021;34(9):21-24. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000769656.60157.95Fontham ETH, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al.Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society.CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(5):321-346. doi:10.3322/caac.21628Office on Women’s Health.Pap and HPV Tests.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cervical cancer is preventable.Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer: what should I know about screening?Additional ReadingPeirson L, Fitzpatrick-Lewis D, Ciliska D, Warren R.Screening for cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Syst Rev.2013;2:35.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer.Shami S, Coombs J.Cervical cancer screening guidelines: an update.JAAPA. 2021;34(9):21-24. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000769656.60157.95Fontham ETH, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al.Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society.CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(5):321-346. doi:10.3322/caac.21628Office on Women’s Health.Pap and HPV Tests.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cervical cancer is preventable.Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer: what should I know about screening?Additional ReadingPeirson L, Fitzpatrick-Lewis D, Ciliska D, Warren R.Screening for cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Syst Rev.2013;2:35.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer.Shami S, Coombs J.Cervical cancer screening guidelines: an update.JAAPA. 2021;34(9):21-24. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000769656.60157.95Fontham ETH, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al.Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society.CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(5):321-346. doi:10.3322/caac.21628Office on Women’s Health.Pap and HPV Tests.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cervical cancer is preventable.Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer: what should I know about screening?
Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer.
Shami S, Coombs J.Cervical cancer screening guidelines: an update.JAAPA. 2021;34(9):21-24. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000769656.60157.95
Fontham ETH, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al.Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society.CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(5):321-346. doi:10.3322/caac.21628
Office on Women’s Health.Pap and HPV Tests.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cervical cancer is preventable.
Centers for Disease Control.Cervical cancer: what should I know about screening?
Peirson L, Fitzpatrick-Lewis D, Ciliska D, Warren R.Screening for cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Syst Rev.2013;2:35.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
