Eliminating Cervical Cancer: A Call to Action for Health Equity and Access

This April, as we mark both National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month and Minority Cancer Awareness Month, Cervivor, Inc. is doubling down on its pledge to dismantle barriers in cervical cancer care.

Rather than focusing on “minority” health, however, we’re shifting the focus to health equity. Our mission is to ensure that every individual – regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or zip code – has access to life-saving treatment, survivorship resources, and education. 

A Call to Action 

On Tuesday, March 26th, Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder addressed attendees at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s HPV Policy Symposium about the devastating impact cervical cancer has on us individually, nationally, and globally. This preventable disease has claimed too many lives and altered countless others.

But we have the power to change this narrative. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, along with screening and diagnostic tests, are groundbreaking tools in our mission to eliminate cervical cancer – and we’re committed to making them accessible to all.

“Every patient, every voice, and every cervix matters. Prevention is available, and we can make a difference,” Tamika said at the symposium. “Together, we can create a future where no one has to suffer from this preventable disease. It’s time to push the needle even further and end cervical cancer once and for all. We need to double down on safety, efficacy, and promotion of vaccination. Preserve access to screening, diagnostic, and treatment care – it’s the only way we can achieve elimination.”

The Road to Success

Achieving a future free from cervical cancer requires addressing systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing life-saving care. At Cervivor, equity is a core value driving our purpose. We recognize that disparities in healthcare access and outcomes hinder progress against this preventable disease. What can we do to help?

  • Education and Awareness: Counter mis/disinformation and rumors surrounding HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention. Ensure that accurate and culturally sensitive information reaches all communities. Utilize trusted partners in purpose like the National HPV Roundtable, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), and Vaccinate for Your Family.
  • Access to Care: Advocate for policies that protect, preserve, and expand access to HPV cancer prevention care, including vaccination, screening, and early detection. Ensure that treatment and survivorship care services are available and affordable for all. Join nonpartisan organizations like the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN), Prevent Cancer Foundation, and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. 
  • Making Screenings and Vaccinations Widely Available: Increase the availability of screenings and vaccinations in underserved areas, making it easier (not harder) for individuals to take control of their health through mobile clinics, community health centers, work and school-based programs, and pharmacies with expanded services. Addressing barriers such as transportation, finances, language, and cultural competence, plus increasing awareness and education through community outreach, too!

Remembering and Honoring those Impacted 

As we push toward the goal to eliminate cervical cancer, we remember the lives that have been lost and the voices who demand to be heard.

Laura Brennan: A Voice for HPV Vaccination

Laura Brennan‘s courage and resilience in the face of cervical cancer continue to inspire us. The young Irish woman’s life was tragically cut short, but her story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for collective action to prevent others from the same fate.

Dr. Nina Rickenbacker Edwards: A Passionate Advocate for Awareness

Dr. Nina Rickenbacker Edwards‘ life was forever changed when her daughter, Teolita, was diagnosed with stage IV cervical cancer. Nina became a passionate advocate for cervical cancer awareness and dedicated herself to educating others about the importance of prevention. Through her tireless efforts, Nina honors Teolita’s memory and inspires others to take action to end cervical cancer.

Joey Feek: Country Singer Silenced by Cervical Cancer

The world mourned the loss of country music singer Joey Feek, who passed away from cervical cancer in 2016. Feek’s life and career serve as a testament to the profound impact cervical cancer can have on individuals, families, and communities. 

The Time is Now!

To eliminate cervical cancer, we must confront the systemic barriers, inequities, and injustices that have allowed this preventable disease to persist. In recognition of National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month and Minority Cancer Awareness Month – and as Cervivor marks its 20th year – we’re calling on our community to support our Tell 20, Give 20 awareness and fundraising campaign. A donation of just $20 can help us continue to “push the needle” toward ending cervical cancer once and for all.

Cervivor at SGO 2025: Amplifying the Survivor Voice in Gynecologic Cancer Care

On March 14th, 2025, Cervivor had the incredible opportunity to host a table at The Foundation for Women’s Cancer – Patient and Advocate Education Forum, part of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer in Seattle. This event brought together patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates for a powerful day of education, connection, and advocacy.

The forum featured leading medical professionals who shared the latest breakthroughs in gynecologic cancer care. One of the highlights of the day was the Patient Advocacy and Empowerment Panel, where national and local patient advocates shared their lived experiences, offering hope, support, and practical strategies for making an impact in the cancer community.

Among the panelists were Selena Rushton, National Cervical Cancer Coalition Pacific Northwest Chapter Leader, and Arlene Simpson, a dedicated Cervivor community member. Each brought a unique and powerful perspective to the discussion.

Selena Rushton shared her journey of living through stage 4 cervical cancer, a diagnosis with an often daunting five-year survival rate. She spoke about the incredible resilience it took to overcome the odds and how, after fighting for her life, she found a renewed sense of purpose through advocacy. Selena has since used the skills she gained in her corporate career to amplify awareness, educate others, and support fellow survivors. Her story is a testament to the strength and determination of cervical cancer survivors, proving that even in the face of the most challenging diagnosis, hope and impact are possible.

Arlene Simpson, also a dedicated member of the Cervivor community, shared her deeply personal journey. Despite growing up in a family filled with medical professionals, Arlene had never heard about HPV until she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She spoke about the guilt and shame she initially felt—emotions many survivors experience due to the stigma surrounding this disease. However, through finding a supportive community like Cervivor, she was able to reclaim her voice, break the stigma, and turn her experience into advocacy.

Arlene’s Story:
Sharing my story was not easy coming from a very strict and disciplined family. Once my treatment was over, many questioned my decision to share my personal story in public. The reason I share my story is because of those who are afraid, unseen, or unheard. I want to be a familiar face and voice to someone who relates to me. Being one of the very few Asian Americans in Cervivor, I feel it’s very important for me to amplify my voice so others will know they are not alone in this fight. 

It was a humble experience being in a panel with other gynecologic cancer survivors. We all had our unique stories but, what brought us all together was being united in our mission to help other patients and medical professionals understand that the patient’s voice, the patient’s stories, and their cancer treatment choices and decisions are crucial in these types of medical conferences. 

It’s much more than being just a number in a report. We are living proof of the treatment, trials, and patient care that our cancer care teams provide. We provide the invaluable piece of the puzzle that one cannot get from a medical report alone. We are the HEART that beats or stops beating. Our voices matter!

At the Cervivor table, we had the privilege of connecting with survivors, caregivers, and advocates, sharing our mission of education and empowerment. The conversations we had reinforced the importance of sharing our stories, raising awareness, and advocating for better prevention, treatment, and survivorship care.

Mechal, Anna, and Arlene at the Cervivor exhibition table.

Beyond the panel discussions, attendees explored essential topics like managing treatment side effects, integrative medicine, and sexual health—critical issues that often go under-discussed but have a significant impact on quality of life.

A Powerful Story of Advocacy and Care

Another unforgettable moment at SGO 2025 was Aisha McClellan’s powerful speech, delivered on the main stage during the conference’s opening session—a moment that truly set the tone for an impactful and inspiring event.

Aisha took the stage alongside her oncologist, sharing her journey through diagnosis, the importance of finding an oncologist who truly cares, and the power of patient advocacy. She opened up about the challenges she faced early on, where she was met with dismissive care teams who assumed she would not survive. But Aisha refused to accept that fate. She fought tirelessly to be heard, advocating for herself across multiple hospitals until she finally found an oncologist who stood by her, fought for her, and ultimately saved her life.

Aisha’s story was raw, emotional, and deeply moving, highlighting the critical role of patient-centered care and the life-saving impact of advocacy. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, and by the time she finished speaking, the entire room was on its feet, giving her a standing ovation—a moment of recognition for her strength, resilience, and the powerful message she delivered.

The Power of Survivor Voices in Research & Clinical Care

One of the most powerful moments of the event was during the final session, where I was deeply moved by the recognition of patients and survivors as essential voices in clinical trials, research, and daily hospital operations. Seeing researchers, oncologists, and healthcare professionals actively listening and valuing the lived experiences of survivors reinforced the progress we are making in patient-centered care. It was a reminder that our voices matter—not just in advocacy spaces, but in shaping the future of gynecologic cancer care itself.

Why Events Like SGO Matter

Gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, don’t just affect individuals—they impact families, communities, and the healthcare landscape as a whole. The SGO Annual Meeting provides a vital platform for survivors and patient advocates to be at the table with researchers and clinicians, ensuring that the patient perspective is heard loud and clear.

As Cervivor continues to advocate for eliminating cervical cancer and improving survivorship care, we encourage all survivors to share their stories—because they truly matter. Every story has the power to inspire, educate, and spark change.

Were you at SGO 2025? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us at [email protected]. Together, we are stronger.

About the Authors

Anna Ogo is a passionate cervical cancer survivor, and Cervivor Ambassador from Kent, Washington. Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021 after a routine health check, Anna faced her diagnosis with resilience, undergoing a radical hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and IVF for fertility preservation. Now a proud mother through surrogacy, as well as a loving dog and cat mom, Anna serves on the leadership team of the HPV Free Washington Taskforce. A 2022 graduate of Cervivor School, where she learned how to turn her experience into advocacy, Anna channels her journey into raising awareness about HPV, its vaccine, and the importance of early detection. Anna shares her story to inspire change, empower others, and promote accurate information about cervical health.

Arlene Simpson is a cervical cancer survivor and advocate residing in Bothell, Washington. She was diagnosed in September 2021 and underwent external radiation, chemotherapy, and Brachytherapy. She will be 3 years with no evidence of disease (NED) come March 2025. Arlene is a loving mom, a devoted wife, a Financial Services professional, and a dedicated leader in her church. She is very passionate about helping others and giving back to her community by volunteering in various ministries where she shares the importance of the HPV Vaccine, getting annual exams and pap tests, and sharing her story to raise awareness, especially in the Asian-American communities. She believes that being part of a community (like Cervivor) that understands and cares, along with having strong faith and a positive mindset, has gotten her through the many challenges in her cancer journey.