January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

I hope 2011 has blessed everyone with a positive and healthy beginning.  The New Year arrived in Blizzard fashion here in Nebraska.

Allens Veggies asked me to share a Good Luck recipe on my personal blog - Sandhills Black Eyed Pea Salsa

Besides this recipe being delicious - It coud be considered a bowl of Cancer Fighting Agents.  Here is why:

*Antioxidants are essential for destroying free radicals and offers the body protection against heart disease, cancer and aging. According to some studies, Black Beans are so rich in antioxidants that it ranks in first place when calculated on a gram for gram basis, above other varieties of beans.

*Red peppers are one of the few foods that contain lycopene, a carotenoid whose consumption has been associated with lowering the risk of prostate cancer and cancers of the cervix, bladder and pancreas.

*Brightly colored bell peppers, whether green, red, orange or yellow, are rich sources of some of the best nutrients available. Peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C and vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), two very powerful antioxidants that are thought to help ward off cancer.

*Consuming foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in highest amounts in red bell peppers, pumpkin, corn, papaya, tangerines, oranges and peaches, may significantly lower one's risk of developing lung cancer.

*Tomatoes carry really high amounts of betacarotene and lycopene that help fight off cancer causing cells.

*Studies show that the organic ingredient of garlic, allyl sulfur, another active ingredient in garlic, are effective in inhibiting or preventing cancer development.

Well now that I am starting my New Year off on a lucky and healthy note thanks to my new recipe - we must not forget how important it is throughout the year to make positive food and health choices. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which I take very seriously as a proud cervical cancer survivor. I want to share a few reminders during this important month...

Pap test screening is the first line of defense against cervical cancer. Pap tests are recommended for women every other year after the age of 21. Regular gynecological Pap tests detect most cell changes due to HPV long before they become cancer. Early detection of these precancers can be effectively treated before they become malignant. Unfortunately, four out of five women do not receive their regular Pap Test. In 2010 more than half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer either never had a Pap or were not screened in the last five years.


In recent years, breakthrough vaccines have been developed that protect against the HPV types responsible for an estimated 70% of cervical cancers.

As we all know there always are exceptions to the rules. I was one of the exceptions with how the beginning stages of my cancer were some how missed by all.  But that is why yearly exams and paps are a necessity!  If you are a woman - have you had a pap within the last 12 months? If you haven't ----stop reading this post right now!!----Pick up your phone and make what could be the most important phone call of your life. Schedule your yearly exam and pap.  If you are a man - have those special ladies in your life had their pap's completed within the last year?  Don't be afraid to ask - It just shows you care.

I am excited to show everyone how long my hair has grown.  Later this month I will be making my hair donation to help out fellow cancer patients.  I look forward to showing everyone my new hair style very soon.

Happy New Year Everyone!