Cervical cancer affected more than 12,000 women in the U.S. in 2010 and killed more than 4,000, according to the National Cancer Institute. Yet cervical cancer can be easily treated and even prevented through regular screening , the painless and simple Pap test.

A Pap test can detect changes in cervical cells before they turn cancerous, so that treatment can begin before you even get cancer.

National guidelines call for women to begin having regular Pap tests and pelvic exams at age 21, or within three years of the first time they have sexual intercourse, whichever happens first.

After age 30, if a woman has a Pap test each year for three years in a row, and test results show there are no problems, she can then get the Pap test once every two to three years. (Women who are at high risk may need to be tested more often; talk to your doctor.)

If you are 65 or older and have had several normal Pap tests in a row, talk to your doctor about whether you need to keep getting regular Pap tests. Also, women who don’t have a cervix usually don’t need Pap tests. If you’ve had a hysterectomy, you may or may not have a cervix. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure.

Most health insurance will cover Pap tests. If you don’t have insurance (including Medicaid or Medicare) or if your insurance doesn’t cover Pap tests, you may qualify for a free Pap test.

If you live in Arkansas, call BreastCare at 1-877-670-CARE (1-877-670-2273) to find out. Or call your state or local health department to find out about other programs.