Data Definition and Methodology: This measure shows the percentage of Maryland females aged 21 to 65 who indicated that they had received a cervical cancer screening test within the recommended time interval.

Data for this measure was obtained from the Maryland Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an ongoing telephone-based chronic disease surveillance program designed to collect data on the behaviors and conditions that place Maryland adults at risk for chronic diseases, injuries, and preventable infectious diseases. Maryland BRFSS also collects information on health care access and health disparities. The typical sample size is approximately 15,000 non-institutionalized Maryland residents age 18 and older per year.

Public Health Significance: Since the Pap test was introduced, women are both less likely to get cervical cancer and less likely to die from it. The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.

• The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

Additional Resources:

• CDC Cervical Cancer
• CDC BRFSS Data
• Healthy People 2030