Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, Cancer Survivor, Proclaims January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

SACRAMENTO - Today, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) presented a resolution on the Senate Floor to proclaim January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. As a survivor of cervical cancer, the Senator knows the emotional and physical toll of such a diagnosis all too well. In 2018, the Senator received the dreaded call – the results of her routine exam indicated she had cervical cancer. After undergoing intensive treatment, the Senator won the battle. Unfortunately, this disease continues to destroy the lives of many women her age.

“As a mother of daughters, I am driven by the desire to protect youth and every woman from this preventable disease,” Senator Alvarado-Gil said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Of those cases, 4,000 turn fatal – that’s about 35% of all annual diagnoses. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and often strikes with no symptoms. But, it can be prevented if it is detected early through regular cervical screenings and an optional HPV vaccine. According to the American Cancer Society, data from women ages 20 to 24 who were first to receive the HPV vaccine showed a 65% reduction in cervical cancer incidence rates from 2012 through 2019.

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women of color. The risk of Hispanic women developing cervical cancer is one-and-a-half times greater than it is for non-Hispanic, white, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. While the rates of cervical cancer are similar between black women and white women, the death rate for black women with cervical cancer is twice as high. 

“Education alone is not enough. Routine check-ups are essential. Every woman can prioritize her health and talk with a trusted healthcare provider. Together, we can raise awareness, end the stigma, and ensure that no woman has to face this battle alone,” Senator Alvarado-Gil added. 

To learn more about Senator Alvarado-Gil please visit: 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.

###