In honor of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project would like to recognize local medical providers who provide free Pap tests to income-eligible women.

Pap tests are used to screen for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. But, sometimes certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100% curable. This is why women should have routine Pap tests within three years of becoming sexually active or when they reach 21 years of age, whichever comes first. A vaccine for HPV is available and recommended for women ages 13 through 26.

Women whose incomes are at or below 200% of the Federal poverty level can receive free cervical cancer screening through programs known as Family PACT (FPACT) and Cancer Detection Program: Every Woman Counts (CDP:EWC). Local medical providers who participate in these programs include: Arcata Community Health Center, Center for Women’s Health Care in Eureka, Eureka OBGYN, Eureka Community Health Center, North Country Clinic in Arcata, Redwoods Rural Health Center in Redway, Redwood Women’s Health in Fortuna, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood in Eureka, and Southern Humboldt Community Clinic in Garberville.

For more information contact the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project, a local organization supporting women with breast and gynecologic cancer concerns, at (707)-825-8345 or www.hcbhp.org.