Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Happy New Year 2013!!! I know I’m a little late in wishing everyone a happy new year, and I have to apologize for being M.I.A. for awhile. I have been quite busy tackling a different journey that was quite difficult for me. But now, I’m back!!! Stronger and healthier than ever.
A new year always symbolizes the start of a new chapter in our lives. Many of us have new resolutions, so lets focus and make those visions come alive. Be determined, Be consistent, Be patience and Focus. You can reach your goals!!!
As most of you know January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical Cancer Awareness is close to my heart for obvious reason. As a cervical cancer survivor I want to do my part to raise awareness by spreading the word, getting women empowered by knowledge and most importantly, to get women to go screen themselves.
I’m here to remind you that in the U.S. alone 12,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year. Latinas suffer from cervical cancer at an extreme rate compared to women of other racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Approximately 4,000 women die of cervical cancer annually with Latina deaths representing a proportion nearly 40% higher than that of non-Latino women. Screening tests may help to reduce as many as 80-85% of these deaths. However, Latinas’ screening rates are very low. This calls for ACTION.
Don’t forget to schedule & keep your annual well-woman visits, get your a pap smear and a HPV test if recommended. The HPV vaccine it is also recommended for boys and girls of age 9-26. Speak to your health care provider. Prevention and Early detection saves lives.
I would also ask all of you to help raise awareness by wearing orange on “Wear Orange Day“, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. Tell your family members, neighbors, friends, co-workers to join and spread the word about how to prevent a cervical cancer diagnosis.
Cervical Cancer is almost always preventable and treatable if found early. Know the facts and stop the misinformation and the stigma associated with cervical cancer and HPV. You will feel good knowing that you are doing all you can to improve your own health.
This disease not only affects you, but it affects the people around you and unfortunately, in many cases it takes your life. I am one of the lucky ones. Do not gamble with your life. No woman should die of cervical cancer!!
The CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and under insured women across the United States.
We also love to see the men wearing orange on this day supporting the women in their lives, so MEN take out the orange sweater (we know is at the bottom of your drawer) and wear it.
Lets make this movement global, so if you have family or friends living outside the US let them know and let them send us a picture with a sign identifying the country. Thank you for the support and lets End Cervical Cancer!!
Editors’ Note: Tamika and Friends, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV). Founded in 2005 by cervical cancer survivor and advocate, Tamika Felder. I am very proud to be part of this awesome organization where I serve as the NYC Chapter President.
