Honduras

Reflections From World Health Day: Bridging The Gap in Cancer Across The Globe

On World Health Day, April 7th, we came together under the banner of “My Health, My Right,” echoing a fundamental truth: access to quality healthcare is a basic human right. However, as we reflect on the day’s theme, it’s clear that this right is far from being universally realized, as disparities persist not only on a global scale but also within communities, even in countries like the United States, Canada, Scotland, and across Central America and Africa.

The fight against cervical cancer serves as a poignant example of the multifaceted challenges in healthcare accessibility. In Africa, the lack of resources, including broken machines and long waits for vital screenings, creates barriers to early detection and treatment. Despite the personal choices individuals may make regarding their health, they are often hindered by the absence of necessary tools and infrastructure. Jane was a patient seeking care for a routine physical. She happened to find a free screening clinic being offered at her local hospital. Her cervical cancer was detected and treated early due to access and timely screening. 

In the Caribbean, where the scenery is picturesque, the reality is harsh: limited access to comprehensive treatment options forces individuals to endure costly and emotionally draining journeys for essential treatments like radiation therapy. Countries like St. Lucia face the added burden of relying solely on chemotherapy, necessitating patients like Nymphia to seek radiation treatment abroad, adding layers of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Even in countries like Canada, where universal healthcare is a cornerstone, significant barriers persist, particularly for marginalized communities. Poverty, homelessness, and racism contribute to late-stage cancer diagnoses, resulting in poorer outcomes. Addressing modifiable barriers such as housing instability and limited health literacy is essential to ensure timely access to treatment for all Canadians.

Similarly, in Central America, including countries like Honduras, World Health Day serves as a reminder of the inherent right to healthcare. Despite recent progress, many barriers continue to hinder vulnerable groups and rural communities from accessing essential cervical cancer screenings. Challenges such as lack of awareness, stigma, financial constraints, and inadequate family support contribute to low screening rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Karla is a cervical cancer survivor and patient advocate working to change the narrative.

Even in Scotland, a country with a robust healthcare system, cancer inequalities persist, with higher incidence and mortality rates in deprived areas. The disparity is stark, with cancer death rates being 74% higher in the most deprived populations compared to the least deprived. Urgent action is needed to dismantle barriers to early diagnosis and ensure equitable access to high-quality care across all communities. Cara was diagnosed with stage II cervical cancer after several doctors appointments originally addressing gastrointestinal and stress-related symptoms.   

As we reflect on World Health Day 2024, it’s evident that the journey towards equitable healthcare is ongoing and multifaceted. It requires not only addressing systemic issues but also dismantling barriers rooted in social determinants of health. Together, we must continue to advocate for universal access to quality healthcare, ensuring that “My Health, My Right” is a reality for all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.

To get involved and make a difference, community members and allies can:

  1. Advocate for policy changes that prioritize healthcare equity and address social determinants of health.
  2. Support organizations like Cervivor and initiatives working to improve access to healthcare services for underserved communities.
  3. Educate others about the importance of health equity and the impact of social determinants on health outcomes.
  4. Engage in community outreach and support initiatives that address healthcare disparities and promote wellness.
  5. Stay informed and involved in local and global health issues, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Together, we can create a future where everyone has equal access to the healthcare they need and deserve. Let’s work towards a healthier, more equitable world for all.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Beyond the Taboo

Karla Chavez, Cervivor Ambassador & 2022 Cervivor Champion Award Recipient

In the months of September and October, we are celebrating our Hispanic heritage.

History supports our struggle and power to overcome difficulties. We are brave, passionate, and colorful people. We also come from many beliefs and cultures, some of which can be obstacles.

It is a reality that many Latinas die from a disease that can be prevented. The lack of education, the lack of specialization of our doctors, and the HPV taboo are our challenges to overcome in order to win the war against cervical cancer and other cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus.

I was 34 years old when I was diagnosed and in a country where our sex education is given in science and biology classes, but discussed little outside the parameters of our classrooms. Being able to accept and share that my cancer was caused by HPV gave me freedom. I talked about it with my family, and I remember having the feeling of, “What are they going to think of me?“ They really didn’t care. Their only concern was my health.

Being diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV carries with it a taboo in my culture. We often do not discuss this with anyone because we do not want them to judge us, much less reject us. Many times we struggle alone with feeling guilty. This stigma must be overcome. We must trust that we will find support, in our family, in our friends, and/or in faith. The way to overcome this issue is to talk about it without fear, so that the next time we hear about cervical cancer, it’s because it is being prevented. We want our communities getting vaccinated and that we don’t wait ages for our doctor appointments.

A doctor told me, “the vast majority of us will have an HPV infection at some point, what we need is to remove the stigma behind those three letters and attack it.” 

This resonated with me. It made me feel that even though I didn’t know much about what was happening to me, it wasn’t my fault. It is something that I had to go through, and I must overcome it.

Karla with her Madre & Abuela

Once I took away the power that guilt had over me, I began to fight. I have had the joy of having my family as my support team. We have fought with a lot of faith and love. Which is one of the characteristics of our Hispanic culture, keeping us together as a family no matter the situation.

I am also sure that my doctors were the answer to my prayers in my moments of fear. I received 8 chemotherapies and 35 internal radiation treatments. After a total hysterectomy and colostomy surgery, I have made it my mission to never shut up about what I went through. Because to someone out there, something in my story will resonate and they will act. Either getting vaccinated, scheduling their cancer screenings, or vaccinating their children.

I’m still here to celebrate life and the month of Hispanic heritage. I’m still here to tell you that cervical cancer can be prevented. That there is a vaccine that can save the lives of hundreds of thousands. I’m still here to talk to everyone about the vaccine and prevention.

When I was diagnosed, I wanted to fight and win. Now that I celebrate 5 years without evidence of disease, I want to fight and overcome the stigma, the lack of education about HPV, and its relationship with various types of cancer.

After attending Cervivor School I learned how to share my story, how to speak up, and be the voice that can resonate with someone else.

I have had the opportunity to participate in talks at universities, high schools, religious groups in my country, and in workplace meetings, and always that I can to each person that wants to listen.

I want everyone to get the HPV vaccine, to make their cancer screening appointments so that together we can dream of a Honduras and a world free of cervical cancer.

Fellow cervical cancer survivors/patients, I leave you with a mission: Share your story, because your story will resonate with someone.

Visit Cervivor.org to share your story with an easy-to-follow template!

Karla Chavez is from Honduras and she is a civil engineer and amigurumi enthusiast. Karla is a 5-year cervical and thyroid cancer survivor and a proud ostomate. She is a Cervivor Ambassador, a 2019 Cervivor School graduate, a Cervivor Champion Award recipient, and is a key support to our growing Cervivor Espanol community.