All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it occurs most often in women over the age of 30. The main cause of vervical cancer is a long lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Screening tests and HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. The United States Preventaive Services Tast Forc (USPSTF) recommends screening for cervical cancer every 3 years with cervical cytology alone in women aged 21 to 29 years. For women aged 30 to 65 years, the USPSTF recommends screening every 3 years with cervicall cytology alone, every 5 years with high-risk HPV testing alone, or every 5 years with HPV testing in combination with cytology. This measure includes any appropriate cervical cancer screening. 

Unfortunately this question was not asked in the 2021 or 2022 BRFSS. 

There are numerous strategies for increasing cervical cancer screening. Some recommendations include:

• Using patient navigators, also called system navigators, to help guide patients through medical, insurance and social support systems.
• Providing financial incentives, such as payments or vouchers, for preventive care.
• Media campaigns to increase awareness.
• Client reminders.
• Cost reduction.
• Removal of barriers in transportation and language.

The Indiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) is the Indiana implementation of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). The BCCP provides access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic testing, and treatment for underserved and underinsured women who qualify for services.

The NBCCEDP is the first and only national cancer screening program in the United States. The NBCCEDP functions through cooperative agreements with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and territorial health departments, tribes, and organizations. The NBCCEDP currently serves women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories, and twelve tribes.

The BCCP receives funds from both the NBCCEDP and from the State of Indiana and serves between 3,000 and 4,000 women annually.

Cancer Screenings

Through the BCCP, female Indiana residents may qualify for free breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic tests. Services provided include

• Colposcopies (with or without biopsies)
• Liquid-based cytology tests
• High risk panel HPV testing
• Office visits
• Pelvic exams/tests
• Clinical breast exams (CBEs)
• Mammograms (screening and diagnostic)
• Diagnostic breast ultrasounds
• Breast biopsies
• Consultations

Cancer Treatment

As of 2009, the BCCP is capable of qualifying women diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer for MA-12 (Indiana Medicaid) through its Option 3. The MA-12 remains active during cancer treatment and terminates at its conclusion. Over 100 women received MA-12 through Option 3 in its first year alone.

https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/brfssprevalence/