Where to Get a Free Cervical Cancer Screening Test

Every woman should make it a priority to schedule a pap smear for their health and continued quality of life as well as those they know. Cervical cancer is the second highest cause of death among American women and it doesn't have to be. A simple test called a Pap smear increases your odds for surviving tremendously. Every sexually active woman in America is at risk without this amazingly simple test.

But first, what exactly is a Pap smear?

For those who don't know or never had one - a pap-screen test (or smear) is a simple and painless test done in only minutes in a doctor's office or clinic. Cells are gently scraped from the cervix and examined under a microscope. A Pap test may detect abnormal cells in the cervix caused by HPV (Human Papilloma virus), which often precedes cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be prevented or cured by removing the abnormal cells before they become cancerous. And this is what the Pap smear was created for, since there are no early 'outward' symptoms women should get the tests done regularly. This test looks for abnormal changes in the cervical cells and can even spot conditions where the cells might develop into cancer. It is also essential in screening for this type of cancer - cervical cancer that is claiming lives needlessly all for want of a simple test!