Little Rock, Arkansas – January has been designated Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is using this opportunity to remind women of the life-saving benefits of regular screenings and HPV vaccination through its statewide BreastCare program, which provides no-cost cervical and breast cancer screenings along with follow-up services.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable when women take advantage of available screenings and vaccinations. Routine Pap tests can detect pre-cancers before they develop into more serious disease, while the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination protects against the virus most often responsible for cervical cancer. Despite these tools, the impact of cervical cancer remains significant in Arkansas. In 2025, an estimated 150 women are expected to be diagnosed, and approximately 60 women will die from the disease. Screening rates for cervical cancer remain low in the state, which currently ranks 5th lowest (tied with Hawaii) for cervical cancer detection tests and 11th lowest for HPV vaccination 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,” public health officials emphasized. Early detection of cervical cancer is critical because cancers diagnosed at late stages (III or IV) often result in poorer outcomes and higher treatment costs. By contrast, cancers detected early can often be treated successfully, dramatically improving survival rates.
Women between the ages of 21 and 64 are encouraged to participate in screening programs through ADH’s BreastCare program. Since its inception, the program has enrolled nearly 159,353 women, providing both screening and diagnostic services. These services not only help detect cancer early but also educate communities about the importance of regular preventive care. In addition, the program emphasizes follow-up care to ensure that women who need additional treatment or monitoring receive the support they need.
Regular cervical screenings can detect early cellular changes and, in some cases, prevent the development of cancer altogether. The ADH reminds women that even when symptoms are not present, early detection is the key to better treatment outcomes and long-term survival. Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers when caught early, making these screening services invaluable for women across the state.
The BreastCare program also works to make access to these services as convenient as possible, coordinating with a network of providers throughout Arkansas. For women unsure of their eligibility or looking for a nearby provider, the program provides resources to help locate services and schedule screenings.
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For more information about cervical cancer screening, women are encouraged to call 1-833-693-2942 or visit the BreastCare Program website through the Arkansas Department of Health. Chances are, there is a participating provider nearby, making it easier than ever for women to take proactive steps to protect their health.
As Cervical Health Awareness Month continues, public health officials hope to encourage all eligible women to take advantage of preventive screenings and vaccinations. By raising awareness and improving access to care, Arkansas can reduce the number of women affected by cervical cancer and ensure that more women survive and thrive. Prevention, early detection, and education remain the cornerstones of reducing cervical cancer rates and improving the health of communities across the state.
