Pap smears and HPV tests are among the most cost-effective cancer screenings available—widely covered by insurance and often offered for free through local clinics. Yet despite their low cost, follow-up care like colposcopy remains a significant financial barrier, particularly for uninsured or underserved women. In the financial domain of Pap smears, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, unpack why cost remains a concern—even when initial screening is free. The conversation also highlights resources available to help women navigate the financial side of cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer-related death among American women, but since the mid-1970s, mortality rates have dropped by more than half—thanks to advances in prevention and early detection. The Pap smear, first introduced in the 1940s, remains one of the most effective tools in cancer prevention, built on decades of evolving science and research. In the intellectual domain of Pap smears, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, explore what we know—and how we came to know it—about cervical cancer screening. They trace the history and ethics of modern guidelines, spotlight lesser-known figures behind key discoveries, and reflect on the knowledge that continues to shape patient care today.

Only about 54% of adolescents in the U.S. are up to date on the HPV vaccine—even though it protects against more than 90% of cervical cancers. Social stigma and misinformation around the vaccine, often linked to its association with sexual activity, remain key barriers to access and acceptance. Deanna Kepka, PhD, MPH—investigator at Huntsman Cancer Institute and expert in cancer prevention research—joins Katie Ward, DNP, in the social domain of Pap smears to explore how family, community, and cultural dynamics shape cervical cancer prevention. From the role of parents, peers, and health care providers to the influence of social media and gendered messaging, the conversation examines what it takes to build trust and encourage preventive care.