Senator Alvarado-Gil Proposes Resolution to Proclaim January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
The Senate passed a resolution yesterday to proclaim January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution was proposed by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) who is herself a cervical cancer survivor. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide with an estimated 600,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths each year. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be approximately 14,000 new cases in the U.S. this year – and nearly 30% of those cases will be fatal.
There are usually no signs or symptoms of early cervical cancer, although in the majority of the cases it can be prevented if caught quickly. Most occurrences of cervical cancer develop from human papillomavirus (HPV), which often goes undetected. However, with early detection, and a vaccine that prevents HPV, cervical cancer can be eradicated. “This is why we must demand education and awareness of this preventable disease” urged Alvarado-Gil.
In the Senator’s case, her cancer was caught early through a regular PAP exam, however she still had to undergo radical treatment to cure the disease. “I am fortunate enough to have survived, but many women my age are still dying,“ said the Senator. “As a mother of 4 young daughters, I want to protect them, and all women, from having to endure what I went through.”
It is also important to note that cervical cancer disproportionately affects women of color. The risk of Hispanic women developing cervical cancer is 1 ½ times greater than it is for non-Hispanic, white, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. While the rates of cervical cancer are similar between black and white women, the death rate for black women is twice as high. “I urge you all to learn about HPV, cervical cancer, and how it can affect the women in your life, in your district, and our state,” the Senator stated.
To learn more about Senator Alvarado-Gil please go to: https://sd04.senate.ca.gov/.
Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.
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Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil reading the resolution on the Senate Floor
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil presenting the resolution on the Senate Floor as her daughter, Carmen , looks on. Carmen was the Senator’s caregiver during her battle with cervical cancer.