National Women’s Health Week: Saving Ourselves from Cervical Cancer
As we continue to celebrate National Women’s Health Week, it’s time to talk cervical cancer. Though cervical cancer can be prevented, many women often don’t get the screening that could save their lives.
We know the cause of cervical cancer (HPV), and we know how to prevent it. Yet 12,000 women still get cervical cancer every year. Tamika Felder, just celebrated her 10 year “cancer-versary,” a decade of of being cancer-free. After being diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 25, Tamika had a radical hysterectomy, and would never be able to realize her dream of motherhood. Now, Tamika continues to spread awareness about cervical cancer and let people know how easily it can be prevented.
Felder shared some facts about cervical cancer and black women:
- Black women develop cervical cancer 50% more often than non-Hispanic White women
- Black women tend to have poorer, 5-year survival rates and die more often of cervical cancer than any other race
- Of the number of Black women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, over 40% will die
On Saturday, May 14 the 6th Annual Walk to Beat the Clock for Cervical Cancer Awareness will be held from 9am-12pm at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.. Proceeds benefit the Tamika & Friends, Inc. Gift of Giving Program, which aids women who have fallen on financial hardship following cancer treatment. To register or donate visit http://walktobeattheclock.org.
Celebrate National Women’s Health Week by celebrating you and getting tested for HPV and knowing your cervical cancer status!
