The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month, and during this month, various organizations are emphasizing the importance of early detection of cervical cancer. Each year, an estimated 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and of those, about one third will die as a result of that disease, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC said women of color have the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates, with Latinas experiencing the highest incidence, and second highest mortality rate (after black women) among all racial and ethnic groups. This is despite the fact that Latinas are screened for cervical cancer at a similar rate to white women.
Cervical cancer is a highly preventable and treatable disease because of improved screening and vaccination and women across the country are encouraged to get screened and receive the human papillomavirus vaccine, if they are eligible.
In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Prevention Month, Jessica González-Rojas, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, recently highlighted the dangers cervical cancer poses for Latinas across the country as well as the barriers such as cost, lack of culturally competent providers, language barriers and discriminatory immigration policies that prevent Latinas from getting the care they need.
“These barriers not only diminish crucial access to healthcare but also discourage Latinas from seeking the necessary treatment after a screening,” she said.
Education and awareness are pivotal, and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is trying to do both nationwide as well as urging Congress to reintroduce the Health Equity and Accountability Act to increase cultural competence and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in accessing healthcare, Gonzalez-Rajas said.
The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national reproductive justice organization dedicated to building Latina power to advance health, dignity, and justice for 26 million Latinas, their families, and communities in the United States through leadership development, community mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic communications.
Another important point is to educate Latinas about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and healthcare coverage as well as the February 15 enrollment deadline to ensure that they take advantage of those benefits.
Internship available for Latino youth
One of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ major programs is a Congressional internship program for Latino youth. The next session will be this summer, and the application deadline is January 30. The program is seeking Latino full-time college undergraduate students in all majors that have an interest in the development of public policy and who have demonstrated leadership abilities.
Selected individuals will receive an unmatched experience learning first-hand about our nation’s legislative process working for a member of Congress, as well as stipends, housing and round-trip airfare.
The selection process is competitive. CHCI receives over 10 applications for every one available internship opportunity. The CHCI Alumni Review Committee reviews applications to identify the most qualified candidates. CHCI staff will select top candidates for internship positions.