CELLebrate Henrietta Lacks

Eliminating Cervical Cancer by 2030

UNITING TO SUPPORT WOMEN & GIRLS AROUND THE WORLD

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!

TOWARDS THE Elimination of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one cancer the world can actually eliminate: it’s time to do it.

Find out more

Join The Lacks Family

CENTENNIAL CONVERSATION

World Health Organzation Launch

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 HERE

World Health Organzation Launch

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 HERE

LIGHT UP BALTIMORE

World Health Organzation Launch

LIGHT UP BALTIMORE

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.

WATCH HERE

AWARENESS & ACCESS FOR ALL

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.

UNITED TO SAVE OUR SISTERS

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).

Taking ACtion to eliminate Cervical Cancer

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.