Meet Juana Espino, a cervical cancer survivor who now serves as the project coordinator of the Houston PAP Project. This program, offered by UTHealth Houston, aims to provide no-cost cervical cancer screenings to a predominantly Hispanic population. Espino, having gone through her own journey with cervical cancer, has become an instrumental figure in sharing her testimony and encouraging other Hispanic patients to prioritize screenings.
Reflecting on her experience, Espino says, “I never used to know my purpose in life, then I went through everything, and I feel like it was for something. Now I can help people, tell them there’s hope, and that there are people who can help. That’s why I’m grateful to be a part of Houston PAP Project.”
The Houston PAP Project operates by offering no-cost cervical cancer screenings one Saturday nearly every month at two clinics: UT Physicians Multispecialty Clinic–Jensen and UT Physicians Multispecialty Clinic–Rosenberg. The project’s name, PAP, has a dual meaning. It refers to the cervical cancer screening test itself, the Papanicolaou smear (Pap test), and also represents the project’s mission statement in Spanish: Prevenir, Ayudar, Poder (to prevent, help, and be able).
With a focus on serving a nearly 100% Hispanic and Spanish-speaking population, the project aims to provide necessary cancer screening to women who struggle with access to healthcare. The clinics not only offer cervical cancer screening but also provide follow-up testing and treatment. This includes services such as colposcopies and excisional procedures for cervical precancer. If cervical cancer is diagnosed, patients are navigated to treatment.
The Houston PAP Project is a testament to the power of community and the importance of accessible healthcare. By offering no-cost screenings and comprehensive care, the project strives to empower Hispanic women and ensure that they receive the necessary support in their fight against cervical cancer.