Houston PAP Project Expanded Cervical Cancer Screening
The local health initiative provides free screenings to women to combat higher cancer rates among the Hispanic community.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cancer
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The Houston PAP Project has launched monthly pop-up clinics to provide no-cost cervical cancer screenings for women aged 21 and up. This local initiative seeks to address the medical disparities faced by residents who struggle to afford routine care.
Why it matters
The program addresses the fact that Hispanic women experience cervical cancer at a rate 36% higher than white women. By offering accessible care, the project aims to improve early detection and reduce the burden of disease within underserved neighborhoods.
The Texas cervical cancer rate is 9.5 new cases per 100,000 women per year, which exceeds the national average of 7.5. UT MD Anderson has set an elimination target of fewer than four new cases per 100,000 women per year.
The players
Houston PAP Project
This local health initiative provides no-cost cervical cancer screenings and follow-up care to women aged 21 and older.
UT MD Anderson
The institution developed a five-year Texas Lone Star Cervical Cancer elimination plan to reduce incidence rates across the state.
Juana Reyes
She is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 2016 and celebrated 10 years of remission in 2026.
The details
Volunteer health care providers conduct outreach at local washaterias, churches, and grocery stores to help women sign up for the monthly clinics. The project offers comprehensive services, including colposcopy, LEEP, and the management of cervical pre-cancer, to eligible patients.
Timeline
May 2016: Juana Reyes received a cancer diagnosis shortly after giving birth.
2026: An estimated 229,000 cancer cases are projected among Hispanic people.
September 2026: Juana Reyes reached 10 years in cancer remission.
The Big Picture
The Houston PAP Project operates in alignment with the Texas Lone Star Cervical Cancer elimination plan. This initiative marks a targeted effort to bridge the gap between high regional incidence rates and the ultimate goal of lowering new cases to under four per 100,000 women.
Women in Houston who lack health insurance or have difficulty paying for medical expenses can access necessary screenings and follow-up procedures at no cost. This provides a critical safety net for those who otherwise might delay testing due to financial barriers.
The takeaway
Regular screenings remain the most effective tool for preventing cervical cancer and identifying pre-cancerous conditions early. Residents are encouraged to utilize community-based outreach resources to determine their eligibility for low-barrier health services.
Further reading
For more information on regional disease trends, visit the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc13 News.
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