Health advocate launches unorthodox Cancer Prevention Campaign

Krystal-Penny Bowen, a dedicated advocate for cervical cancer awareness, is gearing up to launch her unconventional campaign aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles as a means of preventing the disease.

The initiative, titled 63 Days of Cervical Cancer Awareness and HPV Prevention, will commence on August 29 and run until October 30, 2024, and will challenge traditional approaches to cancer prevention.

Bowen, who has been a vocal proponent of cervical cancer screening and prevention for several years, aims to educate the public about the benefits of nutrition and exercise in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “During that time, I will also be challenging persons to eat better,” she told Barbados TODAY. “I myself will be doing healthy recipes online throughout the week.”

This year’s theme, “Food and Fitness: Fighting Cervical Cancer from the Inside Out,” reflects Bowen’s commitment to encouraging women and the wider community to enhance their nutrition and physical activity levels. Since the beginning of the year, she has been documenting her own fitness journey on social media, sharing insights on dietary improvements and lifestyle changes aimed at fostering better health.

Bowen’s motivation for this campaign is deeply personal. In 2022, she lost her mother, Sheralene Bowen, to cervical cancer, an experience that spurred her to advocate for increased awareness and screening through pap smear testing.

In addition to sharing valuable information, Bowen plans to collaborate with local gyms and fitness instructors to demonstrate various ways the community can stay active and healthy. Her overarching goal is to sensitise Barbadians about the dangers of NCDs – the fourth leading cause of death among women – and inspire them to embrace a more active lifestyle.

Community members interested in participating in the campaign can find further details on Bowen’s Instagram page: miss_penny246.