HHSC Encourages Preventive Care During Cervical Health Awareness Month

AUSTIN - The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging women to get screened for cervical cancer as part of National Cervical Health Awareness Month this January.

"Screening is important in the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer," said Marissa Acosta, associate commissioner for HHSC Family Clinical Services. "Talking to a provider about your individual cancer risks gives you knowledge and power to take control of your health."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular cervical cancer screenings for women ages 21-65. According to the Texas Cancer Registry (Excel), an estimated 1,501 Texas women were expected to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025.

The HHSC Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program provides free and low-cost women's health services for uninsured and underinsured Texas women who meet eligibility requirements. Services include cervical and breast cancer screenings and biopsies, clinical breast examinations and mammograms. Clinics funded by the program provide lifesaving screening and diagnostic services across the state. In fiscal year 2024, the program served 29,296 women, including 4,821 women who received cervical cancer screenings.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Services is primarily funded through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Administered by the CDC, the program awards funding to states for early detection of cervical and breast cancers. The federal program awarded Breast and Cervical Cancer Services $5 million for fiscal year 2025, and the Texas Legislature appropriated an additional $3.4 million.

To find Breast and Cervical Cancer Services providers or learn more about women's health services, visit the Healthy Texas Women website or call 2-1-1.