Cancer Policy

Team Cervivor Attends ASCO 2024

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting is a premier event in the oncology community, gathering thousands of professionals from around the globe to discuss groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and the future of cancer care. This year, Team Cervivor attended ASCO 2024, marking a significant milestone for our organization and highlighting the critical role of patient advocates in the fight against cancer.

What is ASCO?
ASCO, founded in 1964, is a leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals. Its mission is to conquer cancer through research, education, and the promotion of the highest quality patient care. The annual ASCO meeting is the largest of its kind, offering a platform for the latest scientific advancements, policy discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees include oncologists, researchers, pharmaceutical representatives, and patient advocates, all united in their dedication to improving cancer care.

Our presence at ASCO 2024 was a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of patient voices in shaping cancer care and research. Here’s why our participation matters:

  1. Amplifying Patient Voices: As patient advocates, we bring the perspectives and experiences of those directly affected by cervical cancer. Our stories and insights are invaluable in guiding research priorities and improving patient care practices.
  2. Cultivating Collaboration: Attending ASCO allows us to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and other advocacy groups. These interactions help us stay informed about the latest advancements and ensure that patient needs are at the forefront of scientific discussions.
  3. Promoting Awareness and Education: By engaging with the oncology community, we can spread awareness about cervical cancer, highlight the importance of prevention and early detection, and share our educational resources. Our presence at ASCO reinforces the message that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when caught early.
  1. Influencing Policy and Research: Our participation at ASCO provides opportunities to advocate for policies that benefit cervical cancer patients and survivors. We can also contribute to shaping research agendas by emphasizing areas that require more attention, such as disparities in cancer care and the psychosocial impacts of the disease.

Team Cervivor Listed from Left to Right: Morgan Newman, MSW, Community Engagement Liaison; Tamika Felder, Founder & Chief Visionary; and Kimberly Williams, MHCM, Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer

Highlights from ASCO 2024
ASCO 2024 was a whirlwind of inspiring sessions, groundbreaking research presentations, and meaningful interactions. Here are some highlights from our experience:

– Networking Opportunities: We connected with oncologists, researchers, and fellow advocates, nurturing relationships that will strengthen our advocacy efforts. These connections are crucial for creating a supportive network dedicated to cervical cancer eradication.

– Media and Outreach: We participated in interviews, highlighting the importance of patient advocacy and the work we do. These media opportunities allowed us to reach a broader audience and amplify our message.

We also had the honor of having our Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder, speak on a crucial panel titled, “Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care for Adolescents and Young Adults” hosted by The Atlantic. This enlightening session shed light on the challenges faced by the nearly 1.5 million adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer each year. Addressing issues such as work, health insurance, school, fertility, and emotional distress, the panel explored the unique cancer biology of this age group and the lack of survival improvements compared to other age demographics. Tamika, alongside other survivors, oncologists, and advocates, shared her journey and insights, emphasizing the importance of tailored care and pioneering local programs that support the distinct needs of young cancer patients. Her participation underscored Team Cervivor’s commitment to advocating for comprehensive and compassionate cancer care for all age groups.

Attending ASCO 2024 was more than just an opportunity to learn and network; it was a chance to reaffirm our commitment to the mission to end cervical cancer. We left the conference inspired and energized, ready to continue our mission with renewed vigor. Our presence at ASCO underscores the vital role of patient advocates in the oncology community, and we are proud to be a voice for cervical cancer patients and survivors worldwide.

As we move forward, we will leverage the knowledge and connections gained at ASCO to enhance our educational programs, support initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cervical cancer and work towards a future free of this preventable disease. Stay tuned for more updates from Team Cervivor and join us in our journey to eradicate cervical cancer. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can achieve a world without cervical cancer.

Transcending Passion Into Purpose

When my chemo and radiation treatments ended in July 2013, I struggled to return to my normal life, including my career in agricultural field research. Physically, I no longer had the stamina to work in a corn field for up to ten hours a day. Mentally, I began to question if I was even passionate about my job anymore. I had just survived cervical cancer, so I didn’t want to waste another minute in a job that wasn’t fulfilling. I felt lost and knew I needed to find a new career path that would give me a better sense of purpose. 

I thought hard about what I was passionate about and how I could turn that into a career. I knew I was passionate about cancer advocacy but didn’t know how to apply that to a job quite yet. I found the field of cancer registry interesting but knew little about it. I thought about cancer registry off and on over the next few years but kept dismissing the idea of becoming a cancer registrar because it would require two years of schooling to become certified. 

Cancer registries are important because they reduce the burden of cancer on the community by improving patient outcomes and ensuring funding for public health cancer prevention programs. A cancer registrar is responsible for collecting, maintaining, and reporting cancer data on all cancer types diagnosed and/or treated within a hospital or other medical facility. This data is entered into a cancer registry system, or database, that is then reported to state and national cancer registries. 

Cancer registry data is used by many, including oncologists and other doctors to compare cases for treatment plans, researchers for clinical trials, public health officials for evaluation of cancer prevention programs, policymakers to determine state and national funding of cancer control programs, and cancer organizations for statistics (like the American Cancer Society). 

In 2020, amid the pandemic and working from home, I decided to go for it and enrolled in an online program to become a certified cancer registrar. I am now one year into the program and am enjoying every class I take. I feel like I have a sense of purpose that was missing.

Someone once told me that cancer registrars impact cancer advocacy, policy, and research. This is so true! Knowing that my future job will impact cancer in these ways is exactly the fulfillment I am looking for in a career. It may have taken an unexpected cancer diagnosis, a lot of personal reflection, and seven years to figure out a new direction for my career path, but by the Spring of 2023, I’ll achieve my goal of becoming a certified cancer registrar. You too, can start achieving your goals in 2022, by focusing on your passions with a willingness to persevere. 

Emily is an eight-year cervical cancer survivor who was diagnosed with stage 2B cervical cancer at age 30. After cancer, Emily didn’t realize she even had an advocacy voice until she attended her first Cervivor School in 2016. Today, she is a patient advocate and Cervivor Ambassador who shares her cancer story to raise awareness for ending cervical cancer and to educate others on the importance of cervical cancer screenings and prevention. Emily is the recipient of the 2020 Cervivor Spark Award and the 2022 Cervivor Champion Award. She plans to graduate with her certification in cancer registry in spring 2023.