WNBA.com: Cervical Cancer Prevention: Choose To Know

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Top WNBA Athletes Urge Women to Ask for the HPV Test

WNBA Champions Cause to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

The WNBA has teamed with Digene Corporation to help educate women about the benefits of the HPV test in preventing cervical cancer. A “Dream Team” of top WNBA players will serve as an integral part of a national awareness campaign to underscore the importance of obtaining a human papillomavirus (HPV) test for women 30 years of age and older. The presence of HPV causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer.

The “Dream Team,” which includes such WNBA Stars as two-time MVP and three-time gold medalist Lisa Leslie (LA Sparks), three-time gold medalist Tina Thompson (Houston Comets), two-time gold medalist Katie Smith (Minnesota Lynx) and New York Liberty star Becky Hammon, will participate in public appearances to personally encourage women in the at-risk age group to talk to their doctors about cervical cancer screening and to ask specifically for an HPV test.

As part of the WNBA's partnership with Digene to fight cervical cancer, Nikki McCray, Lisa Leslie and Becky Hammon were shooting hoops and signing autographs for fans in Times Square on Thursday, April 21. (Steven Freeman/WNBAE/Getty Images)

Cervical cancer survivor Tamika Felder (center right), distributes cervical cancer prevention materials and encourages female fans to “Choose to Know” their HPV status. (WNBAE/Getty Images)

Cervical cancer survivors and advocates wearing “Choose to Know” t-shirts participate in a “Fan Tunnel Ceremony” to welcome NY Liberty players to the court. (WNBAE/Getty Images)

Cervical cancer survivor, musician and founder of Popsmear.org Christine Baze, sings the national anthem while wearing a “Choose to Know” t-shirt and bracelet. (WNBAE/Getty Images)

Find Out More

Whether you're under 30 or over, click here to get more information on preventing cervical cancer.

The WNBA Spokesteam
Here are some of the WNBA players who will be helping to spread the word about cervical cancer prevention:

Becky Hammon

"This is a great opportunity to not only gain knowledge myself, but it also gives me the opportunity to share things that I've learned that can actually change a persons life expectancy and quality of life."

Lisa Leslie

"If I can help to save the life of just one person, I will feel great, but I believe Digene will put me in the position to reach millions and I am excited about the opportunity."

Delisha Milton-Jones

"Being associated with Digene means a lot to me. First, it is because I am a woman. Second is because a woman's health should not be taken lightly. We have been blessed with the ability to give life and allowing ourselves to go for a preventable disease doesn't make much sense."

Katie Smith

"I want to be a part of this campaign because being a woman in a field that is perceived as a male dominated profession you have to continue to challenge and educate people on the reality of what we do and how well we do it. We have to be proactive and do more than get by. To empower and educate women in this area will not only help with the prevention of cervical cancer but will hopefully help them take charge in all aspects of their lives."

Tina Thompson

"I believe that good health and fitness are a great road to take to enjoy a great life. Being healthy gives you an excited outlook on life and living."