Women's Services

Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Prevention Program

NC Department of Health and Human Services BCCCP Info
NC Department of Health and Human Services Wise Woman Info
  • Pap smears free of charge for eligible women 21 – 64 or up to 75 if there is a history of bad paps
  • Mammograms free of charge through Hope Breast Center for eligible women 40-75
  • Must have proof of income at or below 250% of federal poverty level
  • Services are available on a first come first served bases until funds are exhausted.
  • Enrollment begins July each year.
  • Available to women enrolled in BCCCP
  • Cholesterol screening
  • Diabetes screening
  • Blood Pressure screening
  • Lifestyle coaching

Why do I need a pap smear?

Cervical Cancer usually has no symptoms until after it is no longer able to be treated.
Pap smears detect changes that happen on the cervix before full blown cervical cancer (precancerous lesions).  
This means treatment can prevent progression to cancer but you must have a pap smear to know if you need treatment.

How often do I need a pap smear?

Beginning at 21 years old you should have a pap smear every 3 years if pap smear results are normal.
You may need more frequent screenings if you have abnormal results.

What about HPV testing?

​HPV (human papilloma virus) causes most cervical cancer.  Women 30 or older with no history of abnormal paps can be screened for HPV with their pap.  It is not a separate procedure, and if both tests are normal, pap smear and HPV testing would not be needed again for another 5 years.