THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 19, 1995 TAG: 9504190414
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
There's no telling when Betty Parker would have discovered the cancer growing in her uterus.
For the past three years, Parker has worked two jobs to support three kids. She didn't have the time or the money for an annual gynecological exam or Pap smear, which screens for cervical and uterine cancer.
``It wasn't until I got sick (from endometriosis and fibroids) and had to go to the doctor and got a pap smear,'' Parker said.
``The test came back abnormal, and I realized I had cervical cancer.''
Parker's story is one of many that have led the National Cancer Institute to designate the third week in April as Minority Cancer Awareness Week.
With statistics showing that African-American women are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer and nearly three times as likely to die from it than other women, the National Cancer Institute encourages state and local agencies to target minority groups and the poor to promote early detection and cancer prevention.
Locally, the Sentara Cancer Institute is spreading the word by distributing posters on breast self-examination to beauty parlors and churches.
The Virginia Department of Health - with financial help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - has established breast and cervical cancer programs around the state. These programs will use surveys and focus groups to identify the needs of various communities.
``Death rates are higher across the board among all minority groups and the socioeconomically disadvantaged,'' said Theresa Teekah, special program manager for the National Cancer Institute.
``They usually have a lack of resources, lack of finances, lack of knowledge, no hospital nearby,'' Teekah said.
``A certain amount of cancers are avoidable. It depends on how we eat, how we're living, our alcohol use. You've got to pay attention to your body and look for signs and symptoms.''
Parker grew up knowing the importance of Pap smears; she was raised by an aunt who wouldn't let her miss a check-up. But at 34, she now realizes how easy it is to let something important fall by the wayside.
``I let that happen, but I won't let it happen again. I didn't know that there were places to go if you didn't have insurance,'' says Parker, who recently underwent surgery to remove the cancer.
``But women need to get this information. You always hear about breast cancer and the importance of getting a mammogram, but you never hear of the importance of getting a Pap smear. I know there are plenty of women out there who are not getting them because they don't realize how important it is.''
Parker is now on a personal crusade, talking to church groups and anyone else who will listen.
She is pressing the uninsured to go to local health clinics for reduced-rate check-ups and Pap smears.
Telling them how reducing fat and cholesterol in their diets and limiting alcohol and tobacco use can lower their cancer risk.
Passing on the National Cancer Institute's ``Five a Day'' challenge to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables to five servings a day.
``I've gone on TV,'' Parker said. And, she, said, she ``will go anywhere to talk about this.
``This is real personal, but if it can get one woman to take better care of her body, then I'll do it.'' ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
HELPFUL NUMBERS
For general information, up-to-date developments in cancer
treatment and information on clinical testing, call 1-800-4-CANCER.
The Sentara Cancer Institute: 668-4268 or
1-800-523-8223
Public Health Clinics:
Chesapeake Health Department:436-8600
Norfolk Public Health: 683-2700
Portsmouth Public Health:393-8585
Suffolk Health Department: 925-2300
Virginia Beach Health Department: 431-3469
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital clinic: 668-7000
DePaul Medical Center clinic: 889-5211
KEYWORDS: CANCER MINORITY by CNB