"I am over 21 years old and not sexually active. Do I need to have a Pap smear test?"

Yes.

Even if you have never had sex or are not now sexually active, you should still see your doctor and be tested to make sure everything is okay.

"I'm not old enough to need mammograms. Do I need to do any other tests for breast cancer?"

Yes.

In your 20s and 30s, you can do breast self-exams (BSE) once a month and you should also have a clinical breast exam (CBE) done by your doctor as part of your annual exam.

"I don't have insurance - how can I afford these tests?"

Each state has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that offers low-cost or free Pap smears and mammograms to local women. For more information on how to get these screenings, contact BPSOS.

"Does Medicare or other insurance pay for these tests?"

Medicare will pay for 80% to 100% of cancer screenings, including mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap smears and pelvic exams. Many private insurance companies will cover cancer screenings but it varies from company to company. The time frame for these exams also depends on each company - some will cover one each year, others one every two years. For help understanding your benefits, contact BPSOS.