The name Jessica Pettway may not sound familiar to you unless you are one of her 200,000+ YouTube subscribers or 160,000 followers on Instagram. Beyond her popularity on social media, Pettway is a significant person within the Black community. Why? At 36, Pettway passed away on March 11, 2024, after being diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. Her death is important to Black women everyone because Pettway’s death could have been prevented or, at the very least, delayed.
Like the story of many other Black women, Pettway’s life was jeopardized because of inadequate health care services. To help keep more Black women safe, here is more on Pettway’s life and death and what Black women can do to protect themselves from the same fate.
How a Misdiagnosis Led to an Unfortunate Death
Pettway was known as a beauty and lifestyle influencer and often shared moments of her life with viewers. Her presence online portrayed a confident Black woman raising a family, but in June 2022, her life started to change after visiting the doctor because of excess bleeding and extreme fatigue. She was diagnosed with fibroids, non-cancerous growth of tissue and muscle that develops in the uterus. In most cases, fibroids are not severe.
The doctors dismissed Pettway with no other concerns. Yet, she returned to the hospital a month later after her husband found her unconscious and not breathing. While her symptoms were more severe than before, she received a second diagnosis of fibroids. It wasn’t until February 2023 that she was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer after an oncologist performed an outpatient biopsy.
Although the news was devastating, Pettway kept her faith and shared her journey with her followers. She told her audience that her faith in God would help her recover. Unfortunately, it seems that God had other plans for her.
While her story is tragic, Pettway was committed to sharing her fight against cancer in hopes that she would inspire others to take care of themselves and get the help they need. In honor of her, here are some things that Black women should know about cervical cancers and how to protect themselves.
How Cervical Cancer Affects Black Women Differently
Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells develop in the lining of the cervix, and anyone with a cervix is at risk of this type of cancer. However, Black women have a higher risk, especially women over 30.
If you’re wondering how cervical cancer starts, it most commonly comes from the human papillomavirus or HPV. This virus is prevalent amongst those who are sexually active and usually has no symptoms. HPV can go away on its own, but it can also turn into genital or skin warts or cervical cancer. Additionally, HIV and tobacco smoking can increase the chances of attracting HPV.
If HPV develops into cervical cancer, the early stages may not show any signs or symptoms. The later stages, on the other hand, may cause excessive bleeding and abnormal vaginal odor or discharge. These symptoms can easily be associated with other illnesses.
Cervical cancer has four stages. Stages 0–1 involve the development of cancer cells. Stages 2–3 consist of cancer spreading to other areas, including the vagina, the pelvic wall, and kidneys. The fourth and final stage includes the spreading into the bladder, rectum, and other body parts.
One of the most harmful factors of cervical cancer is its racial disparity. While the disease itself isn’t caused by genetics, Black women have the highest rates of morbidity and mortality due to limited access to quality health care. Other factors that affect Black women getting proper treatment include:
- Trust in healthcare providers
- Knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer
- Workplace flexibility and time off
- Transportation to medical facilities
- Family obligations and responsibilities
Additionally, a study in 2017 showed that Black women take twice as long to clear the HPV infection from their cervix compared to white women. A slow reaction to fighting off the virus increases the chances of the virus turning into cancer.
How Black Women Can Protect Themselves
Because Black women are more vulnerable to this disease, taking the proper steps can literally save lives. The first way Black women can protect themselves is through a Pap test, also known as a Pap smear. During this process, cell samples are taken for the lining of the cervix and later tasted.
Another way Black women can protect themselves is through the HPV vaccine. This treatment can protect women from cancers caused by HPV, such as cancer of the vagina, vulva, anus, mouth, throat, and neck.
Along with the HPV vaccine, early detection is crucial. Patients have a higher survival rate when issues are caught and treated early.
Lastly, Black women must insist on getting fair medical treatment. While speaking up may be difficult and require a second, third, or fourth opinion, it’s necessary for prevention. Pettway’s life was cut too short, but her fight for survival teaches everyone to prioritize their health. Not only will she live on through her online content, but she will live on through every Black woman whom she’s inspired to advocate for their health.
