JANUARY IS CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
According to The American Cancer Society, “Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. But the death rate has not changed much over the last 15 years.” And several studies show that a disproportionate number of women that die each year from cervical cancer are Black women.
The American Cancer Society also stresses the importance of regular screening for the disease, emphasizing that, “Screening tests offer the best chance to have cervical cancer found early when successful treatment is likely. Screening can also actually prevent most cervical cancers by finding abnormal cervical cell changes (pre-cancers) so that they can be treated before they have a chance to turn into a cervical cancer. Despite the recognized benefits of cervical cancer screening, not all American women get screened. Most cervical cancers are found in women who have never had a Pap test or who have not had one recently. Women without health insurance and women who have recently immigrated are less likely to have cervical cancer screening.”
Learn more about the causes and risk factors for cervical cancer, as well as the tests for possible early detection at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines.html
OTHER NEWS
THE ZIKA VIRUS AND YOU: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. It is primarily spread to people through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy, and it can be sexually transmitted by a man to his partners. While most people who contract the virus have very mild or no symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a link between Zika infection during pregnancy and serious birth defects and other poor pregnancy outcomes.
PORTRAIT OF HARRIET TUBMAN TO GRACE NEW $20 BILL
Harriet Tubman, a former slave, and abolitionist who, as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad helped hundreds of African-Americans escape slavery, will replace former U.S. President Andrew Jackson on the face of the $20 bill. The makeover was announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary, Jacob J. Lew.
BWA BOARD MEMBER GINA ADAMS HAILED AS ONE OF THE “10 MOST COMPELLING WOMEN IN WASHINGTON NOW”
Gina Adams, senior vice president government affairs, FedEx Corporation and a member of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.’s (BWA) Board of Directors was recently featured as one of the “10 Most Compelling Women in Washington Now,” in Elle magazine.
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