Actor, director, and activist Meagan Good is helping raise awareness about endometrial cancer, the most prevalent type of uterine cancer, by partnering with FORCE, SHARE, Black Health Matters and Eisai Inc on the Spot Her®
The initiative aims to empower people of all generations and cultures to recognise possible symptoms early when they might be more treatable. Having experienced a uterine cancer scare herself, Meagan understands the importance of maintaining routine exams, talking to a doctor about any concerns, and educating others about gynecologic health. She hopes that Spot Her will break the silence surrounding endometrial cancer, which is on the rise, especially within communities of colour.
“Gynaecologic health is an important conversation to have at any age, but it’s not often discussed, especially in the Black community,” said Meagan. “I’m not afraid to have open and honest conversations with my friends, family and doctor about gynecologic health. I want to encourage everyone, particularly the Black community, to do the same so more people can identify potential signs of endometrial cancer early. As women, it’s important that we support each other, speak up about gynecologic symptoms and advocate for our health when visiting our doctor. “
Women with endometrial cancer and other gynecologic cancers can present with various symptoms that can be easily overlooked. Some common signs of endometrial cancer may include abnormal bleeding, spotting or brownish discharge after menopause, irregular or heavy bleeding before menopause, and pelvic pain or pressure.
Furthermore, some women with endometrial cancer have reported that their symptoms were dismissed, and they felt unable to discuss their experiences due to the stigma associated with gynecologic health.
Identifying symptoms and getting help is especially important for the Black community, which faces significant health care disparities. Only 53% of Black women with endometrial cancer receive early detection. Because of multiple intersectional factors, these women may not receive an early diagnosis. These factors include a lack of communication with friends, family, and doctors about gynecologic health.
As part of the campaign, Meagan will participate in the Spot Her virtual walk, which encourages people to take literal steps towards increasing awareness about endometrial cancer. For every mile logged (up to 20 miles per participant) through the Charity Footprints website or for each use of #SpotHerforEC on social media, Eisai will donate $1 (up to $20,000) between FORCE and SHARE, which provide support for people living with endometrial cancer.
The Spot Her virtual walk will take place from 30 March 2022 to 22 June 2022, and Charity Footprints is offering free registration to the first 1,000 participants. To participate in the virtual walk, visit www.CharityFootprints.com/SpotHerForEC to register and join the conversation online by using #SpotHerforEC on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
“As a gynecologic oncologist, I know all too well the impact endometrial cancer has on those diagnosed with this disease, as well as their loved ones,” said Ginger J. Gardner, M.D., Chair of the Foundation for Women’s Cancer and Vice-Chair of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
“Uterine cancer incidence rates are rising among all women in the United States, especially among communities of colour. It is important for people to openly discuss their gynecologic health concerns with their doctors so that diseases like endometrial cancer can be spotted early, when they may be more treatable, particularly for members of the Black community, who are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive cell types.”
“Now in its second year, the Spot Her campaign exemplifies Eisai’s human health care mission to put patients first and address the unmet needs of underserved people. Partnering with SHARE, FORCE, and Black Health Matters empowers our efforts to understand these communities’ unmet needs better and help address them,” said Teresa Cronin, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Patient Advocacy at Eisai Inc.
“By raising our voices in unison with organisations that share our commitment to educating about endometrial cancer and helping to address intersectional factors contributing to disparities in care, we aim to make a meaningful difference for those who need it most.”
To learn more about the Spot Her campaign and find helpful resources about endometrial cancer, visit SpotHerforEC.com.
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