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In 2020, 406 women were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer and 129 died of cervical cancer in North Carolina.

It’s estimated that 13,800 cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed nationwide in 2020.

However, in the past 40 years, the number of cases and deaths from cervical cancer has decreased due in part to the development of the HPV vaccination and increased awareness of prevention and detection methods, like the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control program.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control program (BCCCP) is a program that provides free cancer screenings and follow-up to eligible women in North Carolina.

Women aged 21-64 who:

• Have a household income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level;

• Are uninsured or underinsured; and

• Are without Medicare Part B, Medicaid or Title X Family Planning services.

Cervical Cancer Services available include:

• A pelvic exam and Pap test.

• Further testing if needed for abnormal pap results.

The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease.

Women are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer if the engage in sexual intercourse at an early age or have multiple sexual partners.

Women who smoke are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop cervical cancer.

HIV or chlamydia infection can contribute to the risk of cervical cancer.

The Davie County Health and Human Services Division of Public Health offers BCCCP services for those individuals in Davie County who qualify.

BCCCP clinics are conducted four times a year in March, June, September and December. The clinic services include: clinical breast exams, pap tests, and mammograms provided by Novant Health Breast Center Mobile Mammogram Unit.

For more information, contact the Davie County Health Human Services Division of Public Health at (336) 753-6750.