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Reflecting on the Cervical Cancer Summit: A Step Forward in Cervical Cancer

Last week, the global cervical cancer community came together for a momentous occasion for the Biden Cancer Moonshot Cervical Cancer Forum with a crucial discussion being led nonother by our Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder.

Tamika Felder Moderates the Cervical Cancer Forum on January 25, 2024
Tamika Felder Gives Welcoming Remarks at the Cervical Cancer Summit

Then over the weekend, the Cervical Cancer Summit powered by Cervivor was held at NeueHouse in New York City. This event brought experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, family members, and patient advocate voices together under one roof to discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and strategies in the cervical cancer space. Check out the key takeaways from the summit, highlighting the crucial discussions and initiatives that can potentially shape the future of cervical cancer.

The State of Cervical Cancer: The summit kicked off with a sobering overview of the current domestic and global burden of cervical cancer. Dr. Catharine Young or the Biden Cancer Moonshot, emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address this preventable disease. The discussions underscored the importance of raising awareness and implementing widespread screening programs to detect and treat cervical cancer at an early, more manageable stage. Followed by the basics of cervical cancer and treatment by world-renowned Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Onyinye Balogun.

Collaboration and Communication: Local Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Jason Wright teamed up with long-time patient advocate and Cervivor Ambassador, Patti Murillo Casa to share how effective communication and partnership have benefited in raising awareness in New York. 

Dr. Catharine Young, Biden Cancer Moonshot, Patti Murillo Casa, and Dr. Jason Wright enjoying the Summit.
Jonny Imerman, Imerman Angels & ClozTalk

Dynamic Keynote Addresses: By Jonny Imerman, Co-Founder of Imerman Angels and Cloz Talk, and Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen and the Promise Fund.

Addressing Disparities: One of the summit’s overarching goals was to address health disparities in cervical cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Expert and patient-led panels discussed the challenges faced by marginalized communities, both in terms of access to healthcare and cultural barriers. The summit called for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to ensure that cervical cancer prevention strategies are equitable and accessible to all.

Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce Presenting on Stigma and Vaccination
Dr. Nany Pena Presenting on Cultural Stigma and Health Equity

Vaccination and Stigma: Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer, emerged as a central theme. Presenters shared updates on vaccination and strategies to improve HPV vaccine coverage globally. The summit emphasized the importance of education and outreach efforts to dispel myths and misinformation surrounding HPV vaccination, ensuring that more individuals receive the protection they need and eliminating the stigma surrounding it.

The Cervical Cancer Summit is a milestone in the ongoing mission to end cervical cancer. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advocating for change, the summit has set the stage for a future where cervical cancer is not just treatable but preventable. As we reflect on the discussions and initiatives sparked by this event, it is evident that the path forward involves a collective commitment to prioritize women’s health globally.

Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder announced on Saturday the establishment of The Virginia “Ginny” Marable “Cervivor Baby” Grant: Supporting Your Path to Parenthood.

Congratulations to the 2024 Cervivor Champion recipients: Jonny Imerman, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Dr. Linda Eckert, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce, Michelle Whitlock, Lorie Wallace, Karen North, and Gilma Pereda! Your dedication and contributions to Cervivor’s mission are truly commendable. Your efforts make a significant impact in raising awareness, supporting those impacted, and advancing research in the mission to end cervical cancer. Cervivor applauds your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals affected by this disease.

We appreciate the generous support from our dedicated sponsors: Hologic, Seagen, Genmab, BD, and Roche. 

ASCCP Annual Meeting with BD

I recently attended the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas Nevada to represent Cervivor in the BD exhibitor display area. BD is one of Cervivor’s sponsors. What an amazing experience this was for me as a Cervivor Ambassador!

BD had recently received FDA approval for their BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay and they had information in their display area on their product The BD SurePath™; a liquid-based PAP test.

BD was raising funds for Cervivor and had this set up where the attendees would have an opportunity to spin the wheel and whatever dollar amount it landed on would be donated to Cervivor. Once they had their turn at spinning the wheel they would fill out their name and the dollar amount on a teal and white sneaker sticker that I would place on the BD/Cervivor display wall. By the end of the meeting we had the wall filled on both sides and $3000.00 was raised for Cervivor!

I interacted with many people in the women’s health field about my story and what impact having cancer had on my life. Nearly everyone thanked me for coming out and talking so openly about my cancer journey. It was such an honor for me to be able to share Cervivor and the work we do with this group! Several shared that they did not know of a resource like Cervivor, where they could direct their patients.

One moment that really stood out for me was when an OBGYN I had shared my story with earlier in the day came back after the afternoon sessions and asked to take a photo with me. She told me that she was so moved by my story and willingness to share it that she was going to carry this photo with her. This photo of us together was going to be her reminder about how to treat her patients that were diagnosed with cervical cancer. This literally brought me to tears. I was so touched by this and to know that my story will help other women in her practice is truly heartwarming!

Attending this meeting as a Cervivor Ambassador to represent our organization was such an honor for me. The work being done in women’s gynecologic health is really fascinating and I am excited to know that studies are being conducted and products developed to make some of what we go through less invasive/painful. Everyone in this field realizes the importance of early detection, better screening options for women and less invasive procedures as well as the importance of vaccinating against HPV related cancers.

 

Paulette Apostolou resides in Illinois with her loving husband and two rescue Miniature Pinschers. She is the owner/designer of ThePartyDeeva.com and founder of Operation Teal; an awareness ribbon campaign she founded in 2016 after attending Cervivor School Louisville. Contact [email protected] She is available for speaking/advocacy events. Read her Cervivor Story here.