Public health program for Latinas hosts events for cervical and breast cancer awareness, prevention, and detection

The incidence of cervical cancer is 32% higher among Hispanic women than non-Hispanic white women in the U.S., according to research published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, a discrepancy rate that researchers attribute to less access to care and slower uptake of screening among Hispanic and Latina women.

The Salud en Mis Manos (SEMM) or “Health in My Hands” program at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health works with community organizations to detect and prevent cancer in Latinas ages 18 and older. SEMM provides the community with the information, motivation, and tools for lower-income women to access affordable or free Pap/HPV tests, mammograms, and HPV vaccines. This program is offered in 31 Texas counties during programs that occur year-round, thanks to funding from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

During the week of Nov. 17, to commemorate the World Health Organization Cervical Cancer Elimination movement’s first anniversary, SEMM will host events to provide education and connect people to low-cost or free screenings and prevention services, depending on eligibility.

Nov. 17:

• Morning education sessions in English and Spanish on cervical and breast cancer prevention and detection, and HPV screenings and vaccination service appointments at an AccessHealth clinic in Richmond, Texas. To register and receive complete information, visit https://go.uth.edu/checate or call 713-510-3270 or 713-510-3062.

Nov. 19:

• Free HPV vaccinations for adults without insurance ages 19-26 through Harris County Public Health at Ibn Sina Foundation Clinic. To register and receive complete information, visit https://go.uth.edu/checate or call 713-510-3270 or 713-510-3062.
• Cervical cancer class from 9 a.m. to1 p.m. on the Salud en Mis Manos Facebook page with Harris County Precinct 2.

Registration is required for the events at AccessHealth and Ibn Sina Foundation Clinic. For more information on these and future events, please visit https://go.uth.edu/checate or call 713-510-3270 or 713-510-3062. Additional resources can also be found on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Organizations and clinics that work with Latinas are welcome to reach out to SEMM for program partnership opportunities.