226. Dr. Linda Eckert with Diane Mapes: Empowering Change in Cervical Cancer Prevention

Delve into the urgent and critical issue of cervical cancer prevention with Dr. Linda Eckert. 

Cervical cancer claims the lives of almost 350,000 women each year, a staggering toll that is compounded by the fact that the disease is nearly 100% preventable. Dr. Linda Eckert, a leading expert in cervical cancer prevention, brings her wealth of experience to the forefront in her book, Enough. Dr. Eckert intertwines evidence-based information with the poignant narratives of women who have battled cervical cancer, using their experiences to advocate for change. The book provides a compelling exploration of the barriers — cultural, gender-related, and political — that hinder women’s access to healthcare and contribute to the devastating consequences of this preventable cancer.

Dr. Eckert addresses the issues with clarity and compassion, making for a talk that’s accessible to everyone from the general public to those passionate about global health, women’s stories, and the pressing need for health equity. Be part of a conversation that goes beyond statistics and aims to break down barriers, address systemic inequities in healthcare, and create meaningful change that could greatly reduce cervical cancer’s unnecessary death toll.

Linda O. Eckert is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology with an Infectious Disease Fellowship at the University of Washington and an internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention. For over thirty years, Dr. Eckert has worked at Seattle’s Harborview Hospital, treating people from all around the world. Frequently in the spotlight for her expertise in HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer screenings, Dr. Eckert is passionate in her drive to eliminate this deadly disease. 

Former freelance journalist Diane Mapes writes about public health, scientific research and the cancer experience for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she went from covering dating, lifestyle and singles issues to science, “cancer whispering” and patient advocacy. A former humor columnist for the Seattle P-I and the author of hundreds of essays and articles for NBC News, CNN, MSN, Seattle Times, etc., she also writes fiction (and music!) and is currently hawking a funny novel about the cancer industrial complex.