Angelina County & Cities Health District helps you live your best life by providing cervical cancer screenings and services. Cervical cancer is the seventh most common cancer diagnosed among women in Texas, with the highest priority population being those aged 21 to 64 years. Surviving cervical cancer depends on how early the cancer is detected. The best way to detect this cancer in the early stages is through regular screening.  

ACCHD offers the following services to eligible women:

• Screening services
  • Pelvic examination and Pap test
• Diagnostic services
• Cervical dysplasia management and treatment
• Treatment for other acute gynecological conditions
• Help applying for Medicaid for Cervical Cancer 

To qualify for these services, a woman must be:

• Low-income (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, details for which are found HERE)
• Uninsured or underinsured
• Age 21 – 64 years for cervical cancer screening services
• Age 18 – 64 years for cervical cancer diagnostic services

What are the risk factors for Cervical Cancer?

Any woman can be at risk for cervical cancer, a disease in which cells in the cervix begin to grow out of control. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cervical cancer occurs in about 12,000 women in the United States each year.

Some health or lifestyle factors can put you at higher risk for cervical cancer, including having the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Other factors that can increase your risk for cervical cancer include:

• Smoking
• Having Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Having a weaker immune system

What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

In the early stages of cervical cancer, women may not have any symptoms. This is why it is so important to get routine cervical cancer screenings. In the advanced stages of cervical cancer, women may experience the following symptoms:

• Bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal such as bleeding or discharge between periods or after menopause
• Pain during sex

What can you do about Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer can be caught early by receiving a regular Pap test, which checks for precancers or cell changes in the cervix. If you are a woman between the ages of 21-65, ask us about getting this test. 

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, you may be eligible to receive benefits from Medicaid for Cervical Cancer. Contact us to see if you qualify for this Medicaid program.