Mind, Body, & Spirit: The Importance of Self-Care

As a cervical cancer patient and survivor, you’ve shown immense strength, resilience, and courage, but your self-care journey doesn’t end with a cancer diagnosis or even at the end of treatment; it’s a continuous life path toward self-discovery and healing.

Self-care is essential to help you heal physically and nurture your mental and emotional well-being. Check out these five practices for cervical cancer patients and survivors that promote self-care.

Prioritize Mental Health and Wellness

Your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. After enduring something like cervical cancer, you may experience a wide range of emotions, including anxiety, fear of the unknown or the “new normal,”, and even survivor’s guilt. Prioritizing your mental health is crucial to help you navigate these complex feelings. 

You can accomplish these things by: 

  • Seeking Professional Help: Reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in cancer survivorship. They can provide valuable guidance and support as you process your emotions and concerns.
  • Joining a Support Group: Connecting with other cervical cancer patients and survivors can be incredibly healing. Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ stories can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community. Cervivor offers a virtual online support group on the second Tuesday of each month. Sign up on our events page here.
  • Practicing Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Apps and online resources make it easy to get started.

Read for Healing

Reading can be a powerful form of self-care for cervical cancer survivors. It allows you to escape into different worlds, gain knowledge, and find solace in the written word. Start by: Choosing some inspirational memoirs. Many cancer survivors have shared their experiences in memoirs or self-help books. Reading these can provide you with insight, inspiration, and a sense of connection. Or explore fiction and fantasy. Sometimes, losing yourself in a good novel or immersing yourself in a fantasy world can provide a much-needed break from reality. Reading fiction can be a great way to relax and recharge. We strongly believe knowledge is power. Take some control back by learning about nutrition after cancer. Reading about nutrition can help you make informed choices about your diet and overall health. Jump in and join the Cervivor Book Club!

Get Creative

Engaging in creative activities can be therapeutic and fulfilling. It allows you to express your emotions and discover new passions. Start a journal to help you process your feelings and reflect on your journey as a cervical cancer survivor. It’s a safe space to express yourself freely. Exploring art therapy with drawing, painting, or crafting as it can be immensely cathartic. You don’t need to be a professional artist; the act of creating can be a soothing and expressive outlet. Or considering learning a new skill or hobby. Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, cooking, or dancing, mastering something new can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Get Physically Active

Maintaining a regular exercise routine is essential for physical and emotional well-being. It helps with managing stress, improving mood, and maintaining a healthy weight. Depending on your physical condition, start with gentle exercises like yoga or walking. These activities can improve flexibility and strength without putting too much strain on your body. To ensure your safety and well-being during and post cancer treatment, look for cancer-specific exercise programs and classes designed to address the unique needs and concerns of cancer patients and survivors. These classes often provide a supportive and understanding environment along with modifications to fit your physical limitations. Survivor Slimdown is powered by Cervivor, Inc. and lead by Cancer Exercise Specialist and cervical cancer survivor, Patti Murillo-Casa.

Cultivate a Supportive Environment

Surrounding yourself with a supportive and caring community is vital for your healing journey. Connect with friends and family who offer encouragement and empathy. Start by communicating your needs. A lot of us fear being seen as weak or a burden when we ask for help. We’re here to say don’t. Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs with your loved ones. Let them know how they can support you on your path to recovery.

Another way to cultivate a supportive environment is to get involved with your local community and beyond. Many organizations and hospitals host events specifically for cancer patients and survivors. Attending these gatherings can provide you with opportunities to connect, share, and celebrate your journey as well as discuss the hard things you face on a daily basis. Connect with Cervivor at upcoming events or consider hosting your own MeetUp on behalf of Cervivor! (Email us for more information).

Remember, self-care is a lifelong commitment to nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Prioritizing your mental health, finding peace in reading, and expressing yourself through creativity can all be powerful tools in your healing journey. Additionally, staying physically active and cultivating a supportive environment can further contribute to your overall well-being. And as another reminder, you are never alone. There are many resources and communities ready to offer support and encouragement. Embrace these self-care practices and various programming put on by Cervivor. Together they will help you thrive as a cervical cancer patient and survivor and continue your journey towards a healthier and fulfilled life.

Cervivor School Seattle Reflections

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, amidst the city landscapes of Seattle, Washington, a group of resilient cervical cancer survivors recently gathered to embark on a patient advocacy journey that transcended the boundaries of a traditional classroom.

Cervivor School, an immersive patient advocacy training program for cervical cancer survivors hosted by Cervivor, Inc. trained 23 new attendees with a deep dive into the psychosocial aspects of cervical cancer and paired it with the latest science to help them understand the scope of the national and global disparities. In this blog post, we will take you on a reflective journey through the empowering experiences, inspiring stories, and invaluable insights gained during the Cervivor School in Seattle:

“I went to Cervivor School, afraid of not belonging, but I returned with a feeling of sorority and acceptance. Cervivor School exceeded my expectations by far. There was an energy and a contagious passion. I felt enlightened and empowered like never before. After hearing the stories of these extraordinary women, it gives me more reasons to do something to end cervical cancer.” – Claudia Perez-Favela, California

“This past weekend was amazing. Cervivor School was so informative. The knowledge gained is beyond words. I felt so empowered being in a room filled with so many powerful women and the love and support given is just fantastic. I felt a sense of belonging from the get go, there was no awkward moments in the room and I loved that. I admired how everything tied in nicely. I applaud Team Cervivor for the work they put into Cervivor School to make it a reality.  Once again, thank you for allowing me to be part of this.” – Nymphia Emmanuel, St. Lucia

“Firstly, I was so privileged and grateful for the opportunity to attend Cervivor School in Seattle Washington. Meeting with other Cervivors, sharing our stories encouraging each other to be empowered, and learning together how we can all make a difference in our society by advocating for others against cervical cancer and HPV. My personal goal is to gain my voice, knowing that I have the power to help eradicate cervical cancer mortality rates. Sharing my story and being a “Pillar” of hope to someone is making a difference.” – Davina Woolward, Guyana

“It was an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow survivors and advocates with whom I have shared journeys and passions. The sense of belonging and support within the Cervivor community is a big extended family and the knowledge and skills I gained during my time there were invaluable. Learning from experts in cervical health and hearing the inspiring stories of resilience from others was not only educational but deeply empowering. It was a reminder that I am part of a strong, compassionate, and dedicated network working together to raise awareness about cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccination and make a positive impact and a change in women’s health. Cervivor School left a permanent mark on me, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of such an incredible community.” – Julianna Colley, Georgia

Before we shift our focus to celebrating the remarkable individuals who have earned the prestigious title of Cervivor Champion, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dynamic speakers and passionate advocates who graced our event with their insights and experiences – Thank you to Dr. Linda Eckert of the University of Washington, Dr. Hyo Sook Bae of the National Cancer Institute, Roshanda Pratt of the REP Network, Kiara Long of the American Cancer Society, Dr. Carolyn Kay of Roche Diagnostics, Dr. Sarah Villarreal of the University of Washington, Dr. Leeya Pinder of the University of Cincinnati, Christina Turpin of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, Dr. Yolanda Evans of Seattle Children’s Hospital, Kate Weissman, Cervivor Ambassador, and the incredible team at Cervivor for the impactful conversations and necessary information to become well-informed patient advocates. A special thank you also goes out to Mike Hill and Sue Collins of Moonshine Agency for selecting Cervivor School as an exclusive film screening for Conquering Cancer in the United States.

Next, we extend our warmest congratulations to the exceptional individuals who have been named as the newest Cervivor Champion award recipients. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the fight against cervical cancer have not only transformed your own lives but have also left an indelible mark on our community.

As Cervivor Champions, you embody the spirit of advocacy, turning your personal journeys into powerful forces for change. Your voices and stories inspire, educate, and empower others to take control of their health and join in the mission to end cervical cancer. We celebrate your achievements, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact you will continue to make in the world of cervical cancer advocacy.

Congratulations to Anna Ogo, Anne Zajic, Cindy Trice, Josyln Paguio, and Kadiana Vegee!

In our relentless pursuit to end cervical cancer, the voices of patient advocates are not just valuable; they are absolutely necessary. Patient advocates are the heart and soul of our movement, the driving force behind the progress we’ve made, and the torchbearers of hope for a future free from this devastating disease. Their lived experiences, their determination, and their unwavering commitment serve as inspiration and hope for individuals facing a cervical cancer diagnosis, and as a powerful catalyst for change within healthcare and policy systems.

Patient advocate voices remind us that behind every statistic is a human life, and that the fight against cervical cancer is not just a medical journey, but a deeply emotional taxing one. As we move forward, let us continue to amplify these voices, to listen, to learn, and to stand together in the unshakable belief that one day we can, and will, bring an end to cervical cancer.

Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and with each voice that joins our mission, we come one step closer to a world where cervical cancer is but a distant memory.

Lastly, Cervivor, Inc. would like to thank our generous sponsors for supporting our mission of educating and empowering individuals impacted by cervical cancer to take action and create change in their local communities and beyond. Thank you, Hologic, Seagen, Genmab, and Genentech.