Cervical cancer: the legacy of Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks’ story is one of injustice, with the vast contribution she made to science hidden from the world for many years. While she sought treatment for her cancer, researchers took biopsies from her body without her knowledge or consent. The cells they took, known as HeLa cells, subsequently became the first “immortal” cell line - meaning they are the only cells which have continued to live outside the human body and replicate.

“WHO’s goal is to eliminate cervical cancer, which means the innovations created with Henrietta Lacks’ cells must be made available equitably to all women and girls. We look forward to working with the Lacks family to raise awareness on cervical cancer and advance racial equity in health and science,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

On 13 October 2021, Dr Tedros welcomed the Lacks Family for a special dialogue at WHO headquarters in Geneva, where Henrietta Lacks was posthumously awarded. One year later, WHO appointed Henrietta Lacks' son Lawrence Lacks, Sr., and his granddaughters, Victoria Baptiste and Veronica Robinson; and Alfred Lacks Carter, Jr., Henrietta Lacks’ grandson, as WHO Goodwill Ambassadors for Cervical Cancer Elimination. The appointment recognizes their efforts to champion cervical cancer prevention and to preserve the memory of Henrietta Lacks, who died from cervical cancer in 1951.

Cervical cancer could be the first cancer ever in the world to be eliminated if, by 2030:
90% of girls are vaccinated
70% of women are screened
90% of women with cervical disease receive treatment

[Raveena]

I'm reading the book and I'm so emotional about it. What an incredible gift to humanity. Everyone should know her name Henrietta Lacks!

[aprilcottrell]

I didnt know about this story, but I was in a bookstore waiting for my flight at the airport. I saw this book and something told me to buy it. I did. I cried when I read some part of it. Because my mother died of ovarian cancer not long before I purchased this book. It was an amazing true story. Im glad her family finally got recognition and settlement.

[ljmcdonald]

It’s amazing how her cells saved 10 million lives

[joyrenae]

I'm a senior and this is the very first time hearing about Mrs. Henrietta Lacks. So thank you family for sharing such an astonishing story of your family history. Now I have to buy your book. You have my deepest condolences. Remember, God has a way of turning ashes to beauty, wrong to right, and turning events that were meant to harm us into blessings, He makes a way out of no way. Continue to walk in His blessings. Grace and peace. 🙏🏿

[CollectiveHealing]

They owe your family tons of money, too..… and I pray y’all have gotten or are going to get it soon. That is the absolute least that can be accommodated for your family ❤ … I’m grateful for her and the contributions she made to medicine❤❤❤

[helencoates]

I could not put the book down. So grateful for all she did for people like me. Thank you is not enough.

[jeanphillips]

I was born in 1954. I am now reading her book. Thank you.

[Nemesis-]

America i swear the ignorance and hate, but this young woman saved millions.

[Alegend.]

Everyone alive today should know about her and all those who were exploited in the name of science. We owe them at least that.

[Fairdove]

Beautyful point, my name is Henrieta too just learned about this case.

[Surga_Sukarela]

I have bipolar (neuro disease) and molase very helpfull for my recovery progress, , thanks, , hhe

[SpiritGirlSF]

I lost both my parents to different forms of cancer in the early 60s by the time I was 8, I was only 15 months old when my mother passed. I also don't know either of my parent's favorite colors and food etc.... Thanks to the effects of the polio shot. Thanks to the deception to cover the harm it knowingly would cause. Has it not been proven that hpv shot is not what we think it is?

[ЕленаФедорова-йб]

Надо найти русских врачей, которые помогут в этом вопросе

[brilliantchepkwony]

Unveiling the defied heroin, She is who the world is today.

[emmameyers]

2:57 "in our family we believe that we never told stories on the dead" meaning, once someone has died you simply stop caring about their histories.

Except for Henrietta.

The family complains about corporate greed in the situation, but what of their own greed? The word reparations was said at some point.

I'll end my opinion piece with an old, and wise concept: Thesus's ship.

[hariomnishad]

Buddha ko dekhat jugut ham din acchte Marat bina ke rok tok ke bavjood

[Tojobtv]

Who else is here by virtue of @iamconjurequeen ?
Thank you Queen