This November, The Lacks Family is proud to stand in solidarity with the World Health Organization (WHO) and our sisters worldwide to eliminate cervical cancer.
Our grandmother, Henrietta Lacks, died from metastatic cervical cancer at age 31.
In 1951, her life was cut short, leaving behind her husband and 5 children.
Today, Henrietta's phenomenal HeLa cells continue to lead to the most significant advancements of our time, from polio to the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
Yet disparities persist, and black women are needlessly dying more.
We, the descendants of Henrietta Lacks, are taking action to end cervical cancer in honor of her centennial year. Join us now as we advocate to ensure that mothers and daughters worldwide can live full, happy, and healthy lives!
Cervical cancer is one cancer the world can actually eliminate: it’s time to do it.
Watch Henrietta Lacks' Grandson, Alfred Lacks Carter and the World Health Organization's Dr. Princess Nothemba
(Nono) Simelela's discussion on Henrietta's impact and cervical cancer.
Watch the World Health Organization,
The Lacks Family, and advocates worldwide for the Launch of the Global Strategy to Accelerate the
Elimination of Cervical Cancer .
Watch The Lacks Family and the World Health Organization illuminate the cause around the globe to end cervical cancer by lighting up Baltimore City Hall and Turner Station in honor of Henrietta Lacks.
Download these tools to support The Lacks Family's effort to end cervical cancer worldwide.
Research conducted with Henrietta Lacks' HeLa cells proved that various strains of the sexually transmitted infection - the human papillomavirus (HPV) - caused most cervical cancer. This discovery led to the creation of the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is considered the leading way to lower risk and prevent cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine has proven to be vital to the elimination of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women and the 8th most common cancer overall. In 2018, there were over 500,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths from cervical cancer.
Black women are dying while unable to access a vaccine that can save lives. The very HPV vaccine that was created using the cells of a black woman - Henrietta Lacks.
Black women worldwide are disproportionately impacted by cervical cancer and have significantly higher incidence and mortality rates for invasive cervical cancer than white women.
In 2018, 19 of the top 20 countries with the highest cervical cancer burden were in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Lacks Family unites with global leaders and advocates to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. To reach our goal, together we must achieve:
90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15;
70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; and
90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with pre-cancer treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed).
As the World Health Organization launches the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, iconic landmarks around the world will be lit in teal – the color of cervical cancer awareness.
In support, HELA100 is “going teal”. The #TealTakeover will empower women, girls, policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society, researchers, and the private sector to take action.
To increase awareness, provide resources, and promote community action, the HELA100 #TealTakeover is a 3-month campaign that will run from November 2020 through January 2020, which is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Click above to make a Purchase With Purpose or below to donate to honor
Henrietta Lacks' contributions to ending cervical cancer.
Support The Lacks Family advocacy efforts to eliminate cervical cancer disparities.
PLEASE NOTE: Shipping times have been impacted due to COVID-19.
Please allow 2-4 weeks additional shipping time.
For media inquires, image clearances, interview or speaking requests email media@hela100.org.
Copyright © 2020 CELLebrate Henrietta Lacks in partnership with The IRIS Collaborative - All Rights Reserved.
March's Centennial Conversation Conquering COVID-19: Advancing Equity One Year Later
Featuring Alfred Lacks Carter, Henrietta Lacks' Grandson; Veronica Robinson, Henrietta Lacks' Great-granddaughter; and Dr. Uché Blackstock, Founder & CEO of Advancing Health Equity.