‘Early detection saves lives’: Breast cancer survivor advocates for women’s health

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) -October is breast cancer awareness month, but one organization in Gainesville advocates for breast cancer awareness year-round.

Premier Moms is an organization dedicated to promoting women's health, working in conjunction with UF IFAS.

"Minority women are passing away at larger numbers," The founder, Shereka Nicole, who's also works with the UF Cancer Center shared. She tells TV20 that right now she's studying the disparity between African American women and breast cancer mortality rates.

"Part of that initiative is to have these women come in and do focus groups with us so we can learn about what resources they need and what support they need."

She also tells TV20 that her late mother who worked for UF Health for 43 years is one of her biggest inspirations.

"She gave a lot to the community but unfortunately she passed of cancer so one of the initiatives that we picked up is making sure women know about the disparities in cancer, knowing about their resources and all the things that are local based that they can get that they might not know about."

The organization will be at the university's women's health and wellness expo Wednesday night, to advocate and educate attendees, a mission that Nicole says is close to her heart having survived cancer herself - after watching her grandmother and mother battle with the disease.

"One thing that I said that I would do is be an advocate and I would find out about screenings and early detection and how I can not only help myself and my family but other women."

Attendees will learn about mammograms, gynecologic cancers, and the importance of early detection.

Nicole says the biggest takeaway she wants women to have from the health expo is to not let fear hold them back.

"Because you don't want to be in a position like my mother where you go in, in July and then you find out and you pass away in August."

Nicole invites survivors, those in battle, and especially minority women to reach out to her at (352) 363-1273 for resources.

"You may be dealing with breast cancer right now or you may be a breast cancer survivor...we are looking for you."

The expo begins at 5 P.M located at the Hilton University of Florida Conference center.