As January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging Michiganders to make a resolution to be regularly screened for cancer.

In Michigan, the rates of new cervical cancer cases and deaths due to cervical cancer have remained relatively low but steady since 2011. Approximately 75% of cervical cancer diagnoses and 60% of cervical cancer deaths statewide occur among women ages 30 to 64. Furthermore, Black non-Hispanic residents experience significantly higher rates of late-stage cervical cancers and cervical cancer deaths than white non-Hispanic residents.

“In its early stages, cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Routine cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to detect cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable, and the first step is talking with your health care provider.”

Screening for cervical cancer is recommended to begin at age 21, using these guidelines —

— Women ages 21 to 29: Pap smear every three years;

— Women ages 30 to 65: Pap smear every three years, or a laboratory test for high-risk human papillomavirus infection every five years, or a Pap smear and HPV co-test every five years.

MDHHS has openings for program-eligible individuals to receive free cancer and health screenings through two of its programs.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP), available statewide, provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services to low-income women. This may include follow-up care if a screening abnormality is found. Although the BC3NP does not pay for cancer treatment, women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer may be eligible for a special Medicaid program that provides cancer treatment.

The WISEWOMAN Program, available in select areas of the state, helps participants understand their chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices. Every participant receives a free health screening. A health professional will review the results of the health screening, and the participant will have the opportunity to work with a health coach. In addition, participants can choose to participate in a number of free support services, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, Weight Watchers, Take off Pounds Sensibly or Cooking Matters.

To learn more about Michigan’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program and the WISEWOMAN Program, call 844-446-8727 or go online to Michigan.gov/cancer. For Spanish resources, call 800-379-1057.