Sharon Henderson, who currently serves as the representative for Georgia House District 113, encompassing parts of Covington, is seeking re-election. She faces a primary challenge from Karla Daniels Hooper. Henderson, a breast cancer survivor, has made a significant impact in the Gold Dome, contributing to saving lives. As a result, she prioritized passing a bill that held personal significance to her, making it her first major legislative accomplishment.
During her first term in office, Henderson proudly shares that her “Early Detection Breast Cancer” bill, also known as House Bill 937, was signed into law by Governor Kemp. This legislation has had a significant impact on saving the lives of numerous women. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Henderson is deeply committed to using her position to support others and contribute to the preservation of lives.
A study conducted in 2022 at the request of the American Cancer Society revealed that African-American women experience a breast cancer mortality rate of 40%, the highest among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Additionally, the mortality rate for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 42% higher compared to their White counterparts. Moreover, among women under the age of 40, African American women face a higher incidence of breast cancer than White women.
Cancer is not a bipartisan issue
Recently, Henderson successfully passed House Bill 384, known as the “Early Detection Prostate Cancer Act.” This legislation requires health insurance companies in Georgia to offer coverage for mammograms, Pap smears, and prostate-specific antigen tests. Additionally, it ensures that male insured individuals receive annual notifications from their insurers regarding coverage for prostate-specific antigen tests.
According to the National Institutes of Health, African-American men have a 64% higher incidence of prostate cancer compared to White men. Furthermore, African-American men have a mortality rate that is twice as high and are diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age compared to their White counterparts.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the legislation on April 23rd, 2024, after it received overwhelming support in both the Georgia House and Senate.
“This marks the second bill I have signed into law during my second term as a Georgia State Representative,” Henderson proudly states. “It’s alarming to know that in Georgia alone, approximately 9,620 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed by 2024. I urge everyone to actively encourage the men in their lives to undergo an annual screening with a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. I firmly believe that early detection is crucial in saving lives.”
Georgia State Rep. Sharon Henderson is a strong advocate for early cancer detection. She understands the importance of catching cancer in its early stages, when treatment options are more effective and the chances of survival are higher. Rep. Henderson believes that by promoting awareness and providing access to screenings, we can significantly reduce the impact of cancer on our communities. Her dedication to this cause is commendable, as she strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating disease. The Atlanta Voice highlights her efforts, showcasing her commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for all.
