Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) is celebrating the 9th annual National Women’s Health Week with Free Pap Days at health centers around the state.

This week's Free Pap Days will shine the spotlight on the importance of regular Pap tests, which are part of gynecological exams. Pap tests can detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix that can become cancer.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, 254 Hoosier women were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in 2004. This year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts that about 11,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., and nearly 4,000 women will die from the disease.

The good news is that when cervical cancer is found and treated early, it can often be cured.

“Of the women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, between 60 and 80% have not had a Pap test in the last 5 years,” said Betty Cockrum, PPIN president and CEO. “Through Free Pap Days, we are hoping to raise awareness of this basic reproductive health service and extend access to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.”

Women should begin having regular Pap tests, which also identify infections, inflammations and signs of menopause, three years after they begin having intercourse, but no later than when they turn 21.