PRX Releases

Marissa Jaret Winokur, best known as a recent Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist and for her Tony-award winning role in the Broadway musical Hairspray, is calling on all women to “take the pledge to stop cervical cancer” by visiting www.theHPVtest.com/pledge. For each woman who pledges to spread the word to her family and friends and/or get the HPV test, QIAGEN – the company that developed the test for the primary cause of cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus – will donate $1 to two charities dedicated to educating women on the disease.

To help raise awareness of cervical cancer prevention and the online charity drive, Winokur –herself a cervical cancer survivor — recently spoke in New York City about her battle with the disease and the upcoming birth of her child. With the help of a surrogate, Winokur and her husband are expecting a baby boy, who they will name “Zev.” He is expected to arrive on or about July 22. View video and pictures from the event.

Webcast and Q&A with Marissa Jaret Winokur

Marissa’s Story

• Learn more about Marissa’s battle with cervical cancer
• Join Marissa in taking the pledge at www.theHPVtest.com/pledge, If you’re 30 or over, pledge to get the HPV test the next time you get your Pap. And, no matter what age you are, join with Marissa in spreading the word to other women!
• Get an inside look at Marissa’s recent baby shower. View video or pictures.
• Watch a Q&A Webcast for bloggers with Marissa and Dr. Marie Savard, an internist and author on patient empowerment.

The Facts about HPV:

• HPV is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
• There are about 100 types of HPV. Approximately 30 of those are spread through genital contact (typically sexual intercourse). Around 13 "high-risk" types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
• It’s estimated that 80 percent of women will get an HPV infection by the age of 50. Although most of those infections will clear up on their own, those that persist can cause abnormal cells to develop into cervical cancer if not treated early.
• Despite the many people it has helped, the Pap fails to identify some women with cervical disease – like it did for Marissa.
• The digene HPV Test uses advanced molecular technology to detect the genetic “footprint” of the virus that causes abnormal cervical cells – HPV. It has been approved for use with a Pap for all women age 30 and over – who are most at risk of developing cervical cancer.
• The new HPV vaccine does not provide complete protection, particularly for women who already have been exposed to the virus.
• Test your HPV knowledge with a myths/facts quiz!

Participating Charities

• Tamika & Friends is a national non-profit organization created to raise awareness about cervical cancer, its link to HPV and how to prevent it through a network of survivors, their friends and others who care about them. T&F was founded by Tamika Felder, a television producer and cervical cancer survivor who lives in Washington, DC.
• TheYellow Umbrella.Org is a national non-profit organization founded to help spread the word through the unique enthusiasm and skills of Christine Baze, a cervical cancer survivor and singer/songwriter based in Boston.