The tragic passing of beauty influencer Jessica Pettway in March 2024 after a seven-month misdiagnosis has ignited a broader conversation about racial disparities in healthcare.
Pettway, known for her natural hair and beauty tutorials on YouTube, was diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer after doctors initially dismissed her symptoms as fibroids.
She shared her experience on social media, warning women—especially Black women—to advocate for themselves and demand second opinions when their concerns are overlooked.
Her story, first reported by MSNBC and covered widely in 2024, has since fueled renewed calls for systemic healthcare reform.
The Fight for Change Continues
Following Pettway’s death, advocacy groups and Black women-led health organizations have used her story as a rallying cry to demand accountability from medical institutions.
Organizations like the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) and The National Cervical Cancer Coalition have launched awareness campaigns urging Black women to get screened for cervical cancer earlier and more frequently.
“Jessica’s experience is not an isolated case—it’s part of a deeply rooted problem,” said Dr. Tamika Cross, an OB-GYN who has spoken out about medical bias. “Black women are not being heard in medical spaces, and it’s costing lives.”
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are 41% more likely to develop cervical cancer and 75% more likely to die from it than white women.
Experts point to medical bias, delayed diagnoses, and lack of access to quality care as key factors in these disparities.
A January 2024 study from BMJ, a peer-reviewed medical journal cited in MSNBC’s original coverage, revealed that racial and ethnic minorities are 20–30% more likely than white men to experience a misdiagnosis.
“This is a public health crisis,” said Linda Blount, president of BWHI. “Jessica’s story shows that we need more Black doctors, better training on racial disparities, and policies that hold medical professionals accountable when they fail Black patients.”
Pettway’s Lasting Impact
Beyond policy conversations, Pettway’s advocacy continues to resonate.
Social media campaigns like #ListenToBlackWomen and #JessicasVoice have gained traction, encouraging women to share their experiences with medical gaslighting and advocate for earlier cancer screenings.
Pettway is survived by her husband and two children, who have not publicly spoken since her passing.
However, friends and supporters continue to honor her by pushing for better healthcare access and demanding that Black women’s pain be taken seriously.
