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Recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and commending the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter for their work promoting awareness about cervical cancer.
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WHEREAS, Each year, over 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common cancer among women, and it is known to be one of the most preventable cancers; and
WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, “All women are at risk for cervical cancer.” Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over the age of 30; and
WHEREAS, Cervical cancer is mainly caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse; and
WHEREAS, Most women having cervical cancer show no signs or symptoms in the early stages, but cervical cancer can have a major impact on a woman’s reproductive function if found in the later stages; and
WHEREAS, When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Most importantly, the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening; and
WHEREAS, Organizations such as the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the importance of early detection in treating cervical cancer with regular Pap tests for prevention; and
WHEREAS, The Pap test and the HPV test can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Most insurance plans cover preventive services, including the Pap test, without a copay. However, many people with a low income or without health insurance may be unaware of the resources available or may be unable to access them; and
WHEREAS, From 2012 to 2016 in Philadelphia, there were 437 new cases of cervical cancer. For every 100,000 women, 11 cases were reported. Over those years, 159 women died of cervical cancer. For every 100,000 women in Philadelphia, 4 died of cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia in 2016, the rate of new cervical cancer cases was higher among Hispanic women at 11.3 cases per 100,000 women than Black (11 cases), White (10.2 cases), and Asian/Pacific Islander (8 cases); and
WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, screening rates for cervical cancer are lower in Philadelphia than in other areas of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, 25 percent of Philadelphia’s residents live below the poverty line with decreased access to care and higher rates of illness and death; and
WHEREAS, An increase in cancer screening rates would allow for many cancers to be avoided and for many cancers to be diagnosed at an earlier stage; and
WHEREAS, Without increased awareness surrounding these prevention measures and with continued barriers to adequate medical care, many people will continue to suffer from preventable cases of cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, This year, the Health Committee for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter has decided to promote awareness about cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter has implemented a social media campaign to bring awareness to cervical cancer prevention during the month of January - National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; in addition, they are providing programming with medical experts and stakeholders to further disseminate information regarding this preventable cancer to communities disproportionately affected; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and commends the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Pennsylvania Chapter for their work promoting awareness about cervical cancer.
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