A Family Fighting Against Cervical Cancer
Honoring her legacy
Henrietta Lacks’ family, WHO’s latest Goodwill Ambassadors, are helping raise awareness on cervical cancer.
Taken without her consent, Henrietta Lacks’ cells have contributed to countless medical breakthroughs, including the development of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, & COVID-19 research.
Know her legacy.
#TEALTAKEOVER TOOLKIT
Download The Lacks Family's #TealTakeover Toolkit featuring facts and insights on Henrietta Lacks' contributions to the advancements in cervical cancer treatment, screening and the HPV vaccine.
BBC 100 Women
Lacks Family Nurse, Victoria Baptiste, BSN, RN, was humbled to be named as a 2022 BBC 100 Women in recognition of her work to educate people, patients, policymakers, and providers on vaccines. From HPV and COVID-19 to Moneypox, she is committed to educating and empowering patients to understand their care.
LISTEN TO LEARN
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.
taking action
Watch the launch of the WHO Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination featuring opening remarks from Henrietta Lacks' family. Learn about groundbreaking initiatives, stories and educational resources to screen, prevent, treat, and ultimately end cervical cancer.
Tools to Take Action
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.
ENDING Inequities to END 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.
UNITED TO SAVE OUR SISTERS
The Lacks Family unites with global leaders and advocates to eliminate cervical cancer. 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 advaces the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, iconic landmarks around the world are annually lit in teal – the color of cervical cancer awareness.
In support, HELA100 annually “goes teal”. The #TealTakeover empowers women, girls, policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society, researchers, and industry leaders to take action.
To increase awareness, provide resources, and promote community action, the HELA100 #TealTakeover is our family led Cervical Cancer Awareness campaign.
Resources
#TealTakeover Educational cards
Educate your community or patients on Henrietta Lacks contributions to the advancements in cervical cancer treatment, screening and the HPV vaccine. Empower them to take action to honor Henrietta Lacks!
GIVEAWAYS & Prizes
From stickers, buttons, pens, drinkware, posters, totes and tees, we've got your next event covered. Take your cervical cancer awareness or screening campaign to the next level while honoring Henrietta Lacks!
Purchase with Purpose
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER Ladies T-shirt
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER Ladies T-shirt
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER Ladies T-shirt
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER MASK
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER Ladies T-shirt
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER Ladies T-shirt
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER MENS T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER Ladies T-shirt
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER MENS T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER MUG
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER MENS T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER TOTE
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
HELA100 #TEALTAKEOVER LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
