Medical advancements in recent years save lives
FRANKFORT — Each day, Team Kentucky works to deliver Kentuckians the services they need to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Those efforts include the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Women’s Cancer Screening Program, which plays a vital role in connecting women to life-saving services, including screenings and treatment. The program has seen record increases in the number of people it screens for cancer in recent years. From July 2021 through June 2025, screenings conducted by the program increased by over 190%, from 1,961 to 5,706.
The Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program’s work is critically important in Kentucky where both breast and cervical cancer mortality rates are higher than the national average and many women still face barriers to accessing medical care. The Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program works to make cancer screenings more accessible, helping women get the care they need.
Here’s a closer look at women’s cancer screening and why programs like the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program, matter.
What’s New in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
Breast and cervical cancer screenings have changed considerably since Kentucky’s Breast Cancer Screening Program was established in 1990. Now, the program screens thousands of Kentucky women each year with more sophisticated screening tools and guidelines that allow the Kentucky Department for Public Health to reach underserved patients.
Breast Cancer Screening Today
Risk assessment has become more sophisticated and accessible. In addition to the widely used Gail Model 2, a range of newer risk-calculation tools incorporate factors such as breast density, atypical hyperplasia, and race and ethnicity to help connect women with tools most suitable to them.
Mammography remains the standard for breast cancer screening, with screening now recommended at least every two years for average-risk women ages 40-74. Digital mammography has replaced conventional (film) mammography, allowing images to be adjusted and enhanced to identify subtle lesions while using a lower average radiation dose. The added use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT, 3D mammography), while not yet universally available, can reduce false positive and false negative findings. For women at higher risk, additional screening options include breast MRI, ultrasound, contrast-enhanced mammography and molecular breast imaging.
Cervical Cancer Screening Today
Cervical cancer screening has undergone a fundamental shift since human papillomavirus (HPV) testing became routine in the early 2000s. HPV testing is now central to screening and can be performed using either clinician-collected or self-collected specimens, including at-home collection, expanding access for patients who face barriers to in-office pelvic exams.
HPV vaccination is highly effective in preventing strains of the virus targeted by the vaccine, though it does not eliminate the need to continue screening. The vaccine does not prevent all types of HPV or non-HPV-related cancers. Additionally, national vaccination rates show around 57% of 13–15 year olds in the U.S. had received the recommended two doses of the vaccine, meaning many individuals are still at risk for contracting HPV.
For average-risk patients, screening generally begins at age 21 and continues through age 65, with recommendations varying by age and organization. Under U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidance, cytology is recommended every three years for women 21–29; beginning at age 30, HPV testing alone or cotesting (HPV + cytology testing) every five years is recommended. The American Cancer Society recommends primary HPV testing every five years beginning at age 25. Patients at higher risk require individualized screening based on their risk factors and clinical history.
Women’s Cancer Screening in Kentucky
Despite screening advances, breast and cervical cancer mortality rates in Kentucky remain some of the highest in the nation (7th and 10th place, respectively, as of 2023), with higher rates in the eastern and Appalachian areas of Kentucky. This persistent burden underscores the continued importance of ensuring every eligible Kentuckian can access these updated screening tools, particularly in rural areas where access to digital mammography, DBT, or supplemental imaging may still be limited.
Screening through the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program is available without a referral for women who:
- are uninsured;
- are at least 21 years old; and
- have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
Clinicians whose patients face cost barriers to breast or cervical cancer screening or family planning services can direct them to the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program without a referral. Program locations and additional information are available at chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dwh, or by phone at 502.564.3236.