By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JAN. 28, 2025 – Cervical cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Valley has the highest incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer in the U.S., where the disease remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.

A flyer about the event. (courtesy graphic)

The UTRGV School of Medicine and the Cervical Cancer Prevention Action Network (CCPAN) will host a Cervical Cancer Awareness Mega Event, featuring cancer researchers, international investigators and physicians. The free event will take place Friday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the UTRGV Ballroom in Edinburg.

In observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the event aims to inform and provide resources to UTRGV students and the community about cervical cancer, a preventable disease that often troubles low- and middle-income regions like the Rio Grande Valley.

“Through education, research, and action, we’re working to ensure that women in our community have access to life-saving resources,” said Dr. Subhash Chauhan, director of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research (ST-CECR). “Cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. There are effective ways to treat and prevent it.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 78 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in their lifetime. In the Rio Grande Valley, that statistic is even more alarming, with incidence and mortality rates approximately 55% higher than the national average, according to Texas Health and Human Services.

With the support of Good Days, a national nonprofit organization that facilitates access to lifesaving and life-extending treatments, the UTRGV School of Medicine and the ST-CECR launched CCPAN to align with WHO’s global mission to eliminate cervical cancer.

“The fight against cervical cancer is far from over, but progress is being made,” said Clorinda Walley, president of Good Days. “We have the tools and knowledge to prevent this disease. Now, it’s about ensuring everyone has access to them.”

This initiative focuses on community education efforts and emphasizes the importance of education, HPV vaccinations and routine screenings.

“Together, we can fight cervical cancer, save lives and make a difference in the RGV,” Chauhan said.​ 

The informational event is free and open to the public. Participants will learn about prevention, recovery, warning signs, risk factors, and awareness. Complimentary refreshments and special souvenirs will be offered.

For more information, contact CCPAN at CCPAN@utrgv.edu.

ABOUT GOOD DAYS

Good Days is a national non-profit advocacy organization that utilizes proprietary, state-of the art technology to provide assistance, including financial resources, for lifesaving and life-extending treatments to people in need. Since 2003, Good Days has provided more than 2 million grants and distributed over $3 billion in assistance. Good Days offers a variety of programs, including premium, copayment and travel assistance. To learn more about Good Days and its grant programs, please visit www.mygooddays.org.