Professional Basketball Player Erica Wheeler and Hologic Team Up to Champion Cervical Cancer Screening
MWN-AI** Summary
Hologic, Inc., a leader in women's health, has unveiled the "Ultimate Defense" campaign, in partnership with professional basketball player Erica Wheeler, aimed at promoting cervical cancer screening. This initiative responds to a growing concern as many women fall behind on essential preventive healthcare measures. Wheeler, who tragically lost her mother to cervical cancer over a decade ago, emphasizes the importance of regular screenings, sharing, “A great defense protects from every angle.”
The campaign invites women to engage in conversations with their healthcare providers about the significance of Pap and HPV testing. It draws inspiration from basketball fundamentals, highlighting teamwork and communication as critical to health management. Launching in January during Cervical Health Awareness Month, the campaign will feature a public service announcement with Wheeler encouraging women to prioritize their cervical health through routine check-ups.
Despite advances in screening methods leading to a decrease in cervical cancer rates historically, recent data indicates a rise in certain populations, underscoring the urgency of the campaign. Hologic’s Vice President of Marketing, Michelle Janisch, states, “With this campaign, Hologic is reminding women that they deserve the peace of mind that comes from regular screening.”
The campaign aims to re-educate women about cervical cancer prevention through accessible testing options, promoting the combined use of Pap and HPV tests, which allow for effective detection—covering both abnormal cells and high-risk HPV infections, the latter being the leading cause of cervical cancer. Ultimately, "Ultimate Defense" serves as a critical reminder that proactive health measures can save lives, inviting women to take charge of their health through informed decisions and regular screenings. For more information, individuals can visit YourUltimateDefense.com.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX), a leading player in women’s health diagnostics, is making strategic moves by leveraging the influence of professional basketball player Erica Wheeler in its new campaign, "Ultimate Defense," aimed at increasing cervical cancer screening awareness. This partnership signifies a convergence of healthcare and sports, particularly valuable in an environment where many women are falling behind on preventive screenings due to the impacts of the pandemic.
From a market perspective, this campaign has potential implications for Hologic's brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. By aligning themselves with a relatable and impactful voice in Wheeler, Hologic not only fosters a connection with younger women but also emphasizes their mission to improve women's health. Enhanced public engagement, especially during Cervical Health Awareness Month, could lead to increased demand for Hologic's cervical cancer screening products, such as Pap and HPV tests.
Hologic is strategically positioned to benefit financially from the heightened awareness generated by this campaign. The campaign's focus on education and active participation in routine screenings addresses an urgent public health need, which can translate into improved product uptake. With cervical cancer being largely preventable, Hologic’s role in early detection can bolster their corporate social responsibility credentials while enhancing their market share.
Furthermore, the campaign serves as a reminder of Hologic's commitment to advancing women's health technologies, potentially appealing to investors looking for socially responsible investment opportunities. As the narrative of women's health evolves, Hologic's proactive measures could contribute to stronger stock performance in the health sector, especially as awareness translates into action and screening participation rises.
In summary, Hologic’s partnership with Erica Wheeler extends beyond mere advocacy; it's a calculated strategic move that has the potential to drive growth by enhancing brand equity and expanding market reach in the critical space of women's health.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
The Ultimate Defense campaign harnesses the power of sports to encourage lifesaving screening conversations
Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX), a global leader in women’s health, today announced the launch of Ultimate Defense , a new educational campaign in the U.S. with women’s professional basketball player Erica Wheeler. The initiative aims to increase awareness about the importance of routine cervical cancer screening and encourage women to talk with their healthcare providers about staying up to date with recommended care, a particularly urgent need at a time when many women are behind on preventive screenings.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260113853157/en/
Ultimate Defense, a new educational campaign in the U.S. with women’s professional basketball player Erica Wheeler
“I lost my mom to cervical cancer over a decade ago,” shared Wheeler. “She taught me that a great defense protects from every angle. On and off the court, coverage, teamwork and communication are critical. Now, to honor my mom’s legacy of caring for others, I’m using my platform to tell women that going to their doctor for Pap and HPV testing is one of the most important ways to protect their cervical health.”
Inspired by the fundamentals of basketball, Ultimate Defense is designed to spark conversations between patients and their healthcare providers about cervical cancer. Having played basketball most of her life, Wheeler knows how effective preparation and awareness can be. During Cervical Health Awareness Month in January, the comprehensive patient education campaign will roll out with a public service announcement video and social media content featuring Wheeler encouraging women to schedule regular screenings with their doctors for the strongest guard against cervical cancer. “When it comes to protecting yourself against cervical cancer, the ultimate defense begins with screening,” says Wheeler in the video that will kick off the campaign.
The incidence of cervical cancer in the U.S. had steadily declined for decades due to the success of screening and vaccination. 1,2 However, in recent years, cervical cancer rates have increased in select populations. 3 Cervical cancer is largely preventable and treatable, yet rates are rising, in part, because many women are not getting screened as often as recommended. 4 Effectively addressing underscreening requires a multi-pronged approach, starting with awareness and patient education to boost screening participation and follow-up on any abnormal results.
“Women need to know that we have the tools to prevent cervical cancer or effectively treat it when caught early. With this campaign, Hologic is reminding women that they deserve the peace of mind that comes from regular screening by their doctor,” said Michelle Janisch, Vice President of Marketing, Diagnostic Solutions at Hologic. “As a leader in women’s health diagnostics, Hologic is committed to advancing technologies and education that support early detection and prevention. We are honored to partner with Erica Wheeler to make sure all women know that screening saves lives.”
In the U.S., cervical cancer screening recommendations include Pap testing alone every three years for women ages 21–29, and Pap testing combined with HPV testing every five years for women ages 30–65. 5 Studies show that 95% of cervical cancers were detected with Pap and HPV testing together (co-testing), providing the Ultimate Defense for women. 6,7 Together they cover both threats, using one sample for two critical results. The Pap test identifies abnormal cervical cells, while the HPV test detects infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which cause most cases of cervical cancer. 8 Most HPV infections clear on their own, but persistent infection over time can lead to pre-cancer or cancer if left untreated. 9 Women should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the screening approach that is right for them based on age, medical history and current clinical guidelines.
For more information and resources, visit YourUltimateDefense.com .
About Hologic, Inc.
Hologic, Inc. is a global leader in women’s health focused on developing innovative medical technologies that effectively detect, diagnose and treat health conditions and raise the standard of care around the world. To learn more, visit www.hologic.com and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , X , Instagram and YouTube .
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, including statements about the use of Hologic products. There can be no assurance these products will achieve the benefits described herein or that such benefits will be replicated in any particular manner with respect to an individual patient, as the actual effect of the use of the products can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition, there can be no assurance that these products will be commercially successful or achieve any expected level of sales. Hologic expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements presented herein to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such data or statements are based.
Hologic and The Science of Sure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.
References
1. Yang DX, Soulos PR, Davis B, Gross CP, Yu JB. Impact of Widespread Cervical Cancer Screening: Number of Cancers Prevented and Changes in Race-specific Incidence. Am J Clin Oncol. 2018 Mar;41(3):289-294. doi: 10.1097/COC. 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00264. PMID: 26808257; PMCID: PMC4958036.
2. Safaeian M, Solomon D, Castle PE. Cervical cancer prevention--cervical screening: science in evolution. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2007 Dec; 34(4): 739-60, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2007.09.004. PMID: 18061867; PMCID: PMC 2762353
3. Shahmoradi Z, Damgacioglu H, Clarke MA, et al. Cervical Cancer Incidence Among US Women, 2001-2019. JAMA. 2022;328(22):2267–2269. doi:10.1001/jama. 2022. 17806
4. Castle P, et al. Adherence to National Guidelines on Cervical Screening: A Population-Based Evaluation From a Statewide Registry. JNCI. 2021;114(4):626-630. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djab173
5. Draft Recommendation Statement: Cervical Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Published December 10, 2024. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening-adults-adolescents
6. Blatt AJ, et al. Comparison of cervical cancer screening results among 256,648 women in multiple clinical practices. Cancer Cytopathol. 2015;123(5):282-288. doi:10.1002/cncy.21544. (Study included ThinPrep®, SurePath and Hybrid Capture 2 High-Risk HPV DNA test).
7. Austin et al. Enhanced Detection of Cervical Cancer and Precancer Through Use of Imaged Liquid-Based Cytology in Routine Cytology and HPV Cotesting. Am J Clin Patho 2018; 150:385-392
8. American Cancer Society. Can Cervical Cancer Be Found Early? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html
9. American Cancer Society. What Is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/what-is-hpv.html
SOURCE: Hologic, Inc.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260113853157/en/
Media Contact
Bridget Perry
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(+1) 508.263.8654
bridget.perry@hologic.com
Investor Contact
Michael Watts
Corporate Vice President, Investor Relations
(+1) 858.410.8514
michael.watts@hologic.com
FAQ**
How does Hologic, Inc. plan to measure the impact of the Ultimate Defense campaign in increasing cervical cancer screening rates among women, and what role will Pharmerica Corporation PMC play in this initiative?
In what ways could partnerships with organizations like Pharmerica Corporation PMC enhance the outreach and effectiveness of the Ultimate Defense campaign in underserved communities?
Given recent trends in cervical cancer rates, how might collaboration with healthcare providers, including those affiliated with Pharmerica Corporation PMC, influence the success of the Ultimate Defense campaign?
What strategies will Hologic utilize to engage Pharmerica Corporation PMC in discussions about the long-term implications of the Ultimate Defense campaign on women's health and preventive care?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Hologic Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLX).
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