Cervical Cancer Awareness Month:A Latina Perspective on the Importance of Early Detection

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month:

A Latina Perspective on the Importance of Early Detection

In the tenements of Spanish Harlem in 1957, my mother, Rosa, faced a

devastating decision. At just 28 years old, a single Puerto Rican mom

was told that her future—and her welfare benefits—hinged on undergoing

“La Operación.” The doctor assured her it was a simple procedure, merely

tying her tubes, reversible when she remarried. What Rosa didn’t

understand, because no one explained it to her in terms she could grasp,

was that this surgery was permanent.

Rosa trusted her doctor because she felt she had no other choice. Like many

Latinas of her time, she lacked resources, formal education, and health

literacy. She was alone in a new country, raising her daughter without

support. For Rosa, every decision was about survival. Her resentment grew

as she learned the truth about the surgery, and it shaped the lessons she

taught me: never trust doctors in this country. Rosa passed away at 56, too

late to detect the gastrointestinal bleeding that took her life. Her experiences

became a cautionary tale in my family, one that bred mistrust and

disengagement from the healthcare system.

A Legacy of Mistrust

Growing up, my mother's story loomed large in our home. It wasn’t just her

experiences but the collective narrative within our community. Time and

again, I heard stories of women being mistreated, misled, or dismissed by

the healthcare system. Latinas were used as guinea pigs for medical

research or denied the respect and compassion they deserved.

This mistrust led to fear, and fear led to avoidance. I, too, avoided regular

checkups. Doctors were not allies in my mind; they were potential

adversaries. My belief was shaped by the stories whispered in my

community: someone went to the hospital, was told they had cervical

cancer, and soon after, they were gone. This fear wasn’t baseless. For many

Latinas, a cervical cancer diagnosis felt like a death sentence because by the

time it was detected, it was often too late.

In my mind, cervical cancer was a Latina disease, just as breast cancer was

for white women. This belief nearly cost me my life. An on-the-job accident

led me to the ER, where a doctor asked if I’d had a mammogram. I hadn’t,

but the question alone led to a series of events that uncovered a lump in my

breast. That day marked the beginning of my breast cancer journey, a battle

that could have been prevented with earlier detection.

The Loss of My Sister and a Call to Action

My sister Vicky was not as fortunate. Like many Latinas, she delayed her

well-woman exam, attributing it to menstruation and the discomfort of

engaging with the healthcare system. By the time she sought help, she was

diagnosed with cervical cancer caused by HPV 16. Nine months later, Vicky

was gone.

Her death was a turning point for me. It was a painful reminder of how

deeply cultural and systemic barriers can affect health outcomes. I founded

Día de la Mujer Latina in 1997 to create a space where Latinas could feel

seen, heard, and cared for—free of judgment, fear, or mistrust. Through

health fiestas, we’ve provided breast and cervical cancer screenings to

thousands, catching these cancers at treatable stages and saving lives.

The Cervical Cancer Crisis Among Latinas

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet Latinas in

the U.S. experience disproportionately high rates of both diagnosis and

mortality. According to the CDC, Latinas are more likely than any other racial

or ethnic group to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and more likely to die

from it.

The main culprit? Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted

infection responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Alarmingly,

Latinas have higher rates of HPV compared to other groups, yet they are less

likely to undergo routine Pap tests or HPV vaccinations, which are critical for

early detection and prevention.

Why?

The reasons are multifaceted:

• Systemic Barriers: Many Latinas lack access to affordable healthcare

and live in medically underserved areas.



• Cultural Stigma: Discussions around sexual health are often taboo in

Latino households, making it difficult for women to seek information or

services related to HPV and cervical cancer.

• Misinformation: Misunderstandings about HPV, its connection to

cervical cancer and the importance of screenings are widespread.



• Immigration Status: Fear of deportation or discrimination prevents

some Latinas from seeking care, even when it is available.

Prevention and Early Detection: A Message of Hope

The story of cervical cancer is not just one of inequity—it’s one of

opportunity. With early detection, cervical cancer is highly treatable.

Screening tools like the Pap test and HPV testing have revolutionized

prevention, and vaccines now offer protection against the most high-risk

strains of HPV. These tools are especially crucial for Latinas, who are often

diagnosed at later stages when the cancer is more difficult to treat.

However, knowledge and access remain critical barriers. Programs like Día

de la Mujer Latina work tirelessly to bridge this gap. Our culturally tailored

health fiestas offer free screenings, HPV vaccinations, and educational

resources in Spanish and English. By creating a welcoming and judgment-

free environment, we aim to empower Latinas to take charge of their health.

Breaking the Cycle: What We Can Do

January, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, is a time to reflect on the

progress we’ve made and the work still ahead. For Latinas, it’s a call to

action. It’s a reminder that we have the power to rewrite the narrative of our

community’s health. No one should have to face cervical cancer alone or

without the knowledge and resources to prevent it.

Here’s how we can all contribute:

1. Promote the HPV Vaccine: The HPV vaccine is one of the most

powerful tools we have to prevent cervical cancer. Encouraging

vaccination for both boys and girls can protect future generations.

2. Encourage Routine Screenings: Pap tests and HPV testing are

essential. Make it a habit to schedule annual check-ups and remind

others to do the same.

3. Talk Openly About Health: Breaking the stigma around sexual

health and cervical cancer starts with open and honest conversations

in our families and communities.

4. Support Community Health Initiatives: Programs like Día de la

Mujer Latina relies on the support of individuals, organizations, and

policymakers to reach underserved populations.

A Legacy of Hope

My mother’s story, my sister’s loss, and my journey with cancer have

taught me that early detection is not just about saving lives—it’s about

reclaiming control, breaking cycles of mistrust, and creating a legacy of hope

for future generations.

As we mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this January, let’s honor the

stories of women like Rosa and Vicky by ensuring that no Latina faces

cervical cancer alone. Together, we can make prevention, early detection,

and treatment accessible to all.

Venus Ginés

Founder, Día de la Mujer Latina Inc