Cervivor Ambassador

A Cervical Cancer Survivor’s Story: The Truth About the HPV Vaccine — And Why Every Parent Should Start at Age 9

This is a cervical cancer story by Virginia “Ginny” Marable. You can read her full Cervivor story here.

I never expected cervical cancer to be part of my story. After experiencing common symptoms for months and advocating for myself even when doctors brushed off my concerns, I finally got answers: I had cervical cancer. That diagnosis changed my life forever.

Cervical cancer took away my fertility and the ability to carry my own children. Through modern medicine, the unwavering support of my husband, Sean, and the generosity of others, we were eventually able to become parents to two beautiful sons through surrogacy. Becoming their mom is the greatest privilege of my life — and it’s also the reason I feel a deep responsibility to speak up for other parents.

Because prevention matters.

Ginny with her twin sons, Grant and Emmett, then 5 months old.

Recently, at my sons’ four-year pediatrician appointment, I was told they wouldn’t need any additional vaccines until age 11. I paused. As a cervical cancer survivor, I knew that wasn’t quite right. I gently corrected the doctor and shared that the HPV vaccine can — and should — start at age 9.

To her credit, she listened. We talked about the updated recommendations and the importance of accurate guidance. I was grateful for that moment — but I also left knowing something unsettling: If I hadn’t spoken up, that misinformation would have continued. And I know I won’t be the only parent hearing it.

That’s why I’m writing this.

HPV Causes Cancer — and We Can Prevent It

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common. It’s also responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, as well as several other cancers that affect both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, the HPV vaccine protects against the virus types that cause the majority of HPV-related cancers.

This vaccine doesn’t treat cancer. It prevents it.

Ginny during cervical cancer treatment in 2017.

Age 9 Isn’t Too Early — It’s Optimal

Here’s the misconception I want to clear up once and for all:

➡️ The HPV vaccine is recommended to start at age 9 for both boys and girls.
➡️ Earlier vaccination leads to a stronger immune response.
➡️ The vaccine works best before any possible exposure to HPV.

This recommendation has nothing to do with sexual activity. It has everything to do with biology, timing, and cancer prevention.

Waiting until later — or assuming it’s something to think about “down the road” — can mean missing the window when the vaccine is most effective.

Why I’m Speaking Up Now

I know firsthand what cervical cancer can take from you — physically, emotionally, and permanently. I also know that misinformation, even when well-intentioned, has real consequences.

As a mom, I want my children protected.

As a survivor, I want fewer families shattered by preventable cancer.

As a parent speaking to other parents, I want us to have the right information.

Ginny speaking at the city of Spokane’s Vax Expo 2024 event about the importance of the HPV vaccine.

So please ask your pediatrician about the HPV vaccine. Don’t wait.

Know that starting at age 9 is not early — it’s smart. Modern medicine gave me a second chance at motherhood. Let’s use it to give our children a future where HPV-related cancers are rare — not routine.

About the Author

Virginia “Ginny” Marable is an eight-year Stage 2B cervical cancer survivor, Cervivor Ambassador, Patient Advocate, and a health and wellness enthusiast. She is passionate about supporting and raising awareness within the cervical cancer community and beyond, with a focus on taking charge of one’s health, alternative paths to parenthood, and surrogacy. Ginny believes kindness is a superpower and enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family. A Seattle native and graduate of the University of Puget Sound, she now lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, twin boys, and their dog, Bear. She is also an HR executive and leadership coach. 

A Cervical Cancer Survivor’s Story: How Lack of HPV Awareness Turned Me Into an Advocate

This is the cervical cancer story of Anna Ogo. You can read her full Cervivor Story here.

Before my diagnosis, I did not understand HPV, the human papillomavirus, at all. But I was always the kind of person who followed rules. I liked doing what I was “supposed to do.” So when I turned 20 in Japan, received a free voucher from my city for a Pap test, and went in for my first test, I felt proud. It made me feel like I had stepped into adulthood by taking responsibility for my health. The routine Pap test became part of my life, and I never missed a screening.

Anna traveling throughout her early twenties.

Growing Up Without HPV Awareness

In my twenties, I had a few abnormal Pap tests. Each time, I went back for a retest, and the results returned to normal. The doctors told me not to worry, and I didn’t think about it too much. I was busy trying to work hard and play hard during my prime years, and there seemed to be so many things I was “supposed to do.” Once the retest came back normal, I felt relieved, and I was done. I did not know what an abnormal Pap really meant, and I did not know there was an HPV test. (In Japan, HPV testing was not part of routine screening back then. I only received Pap tests, and I had never heard of anyone talking about HPV at all.) Screening felt like a responsible adult task that I simply checked off each year.

When an HPV Diagnosis Led to Cervical Cancer

Years later, when I moved to the United States, I went in for a routine health check. This time, the Pap test came back abnormal again, and the HPV test was positive. I felt confused and unprepared. I had done everything I thought I was supposed to do. I kept wondering how this could happen. That moment led to more testing, a colposcopy, and eventually my cervical cancer diagnosis. Everything moved quickly, and I struggled to connect my past experiences to what was happening now. I had so many questions.

Treatment during the COVID pandemic meant Anna was alone for most of her appointments.

After treatment, I was left with many emotions. The strongest ones were shame and guilt. My heart ached every time I saw the words “cervical cancer is preventable.” It made me feel as if I had failed, even though I thought I did everything I was supposed to do. I felt lost and alone. I often thought everyone else somehow knew more than I did. These feelings stayed with me for a long time. Only now do I understand that it was because HPV is surrounded by silence and misunderstanding.

Learning the Truth About HPV and Prevention

Everything began to change when I found Cervivor. For the first time, I learned what HPV really is, how common it is, and how cervical cancer develops. I learned there are two types of tests (the Pap and HPV test), how screening and follow-up work, why abnormal results matter, and how important early detection is. I also learned about the HPV vaccine and how powerful it can be. These were things I wish I had known years earlier. Being part of Cervivor also taught me that my story has value. Hearing other survivors speak openly made me feel understood and helped me release some of the shame I carried.

Anna at Cervivor School 2022
Anna with Cervivor founder Tamika Felder

As I learned more, I discovered that HPV can be tricky. Most people clear it on their own without ever knowing they had it, but some people do not. There are many different types of HPV, and only a small number can lead to cancer. HPV can also come and go, so even if you test negative at one point, it does not always mean the virus has completely disappeared. Because of this, it can be hard to know who will develop changes and when. Learning these facts from trusted experts helped me understand that what happened to me was not something I caused. It helped me feel more confident and gave me back a sense of control.

Turning a Cervical Cancer Experience Into HPV Advocacy

Becoming an advocate has given meaning to my experience. I now make an effort to stay up to date with new information because things continue to change, and mostly for the better. Tools like self-collection testing give me hope for easier and more comfortable screening in the future. Education is improving. Vaccine access is growing. All of this gives me a sense of hope.

Today, I raise awareness by sharing my story in spaces where honest conversations about HPV and cervical cancer matter. I have spoken at a medical conference in South Korea, standing in front of oncology doctors and sharing my experience not as a case study, but as a person who lived through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Being able to speak directly to healthcare professionals has helped me feel that my experience can contribute to better understanding and care.

Anna representing Cervivor at a conference. Cervivor provided her with training, community, and practical materials that she says helped her share accurate information and advocate with confidence.

I am especially passionate about reaching Japanese communities, where conversations about HPV have often been limited. I have written about my journey for a Japanese community magazine in the United States and participated in the Teal Blue Japan project in 2022. Through these efforts, I hoped to share information I never had growing up and to help create space for more open and informed conversations.

In Washington State, my advocacy has focused on prevention and education. I have spoken with pediatric healthcare professionals who work directly with families and are involved in administering the HPV vaccine. I currently serve on the leadership team of HPV Free Washington, where I work alongside others who are committed to reducing HPV-related cancers. I have also been honored to receive a Cervical Cancer Awareness Month proclamation from the Washington State Governor’s Office, as well as one from my local city. These moments allow me to speak publicly about prevention and remind me that survivor voices belong in community and policy spaces.

Anna receiving a proclamation for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month from her city (Kent, WA). Local recognition supports awareness, encourages screening, and opens the door for important conversations about prevention.

Advocacy did not come naturally to me at first. Through Cervivor, I learned how to share my story with care, accuracy, and purpose. I was trained to speak about HPV and cervical cancer in ways that educate without blame and inform without fear. Cervivor helped me see that lived experience can bridge gaps between patients, providers, and communities. That understanding transformed my pain into purpose and gave me the confidence to keep showing up. — Anna Ogo

I want to be part of this progress. I want to help others feel informed, supported, and empowered. I cannot change my past, but I can use my voice to improve someone else’s future. Advocacy has become a meaningful part of my life, and it gives purpose to something that once caused me so much pain.

About the Author

Anna Ogo is a cervical cancer survivor and Cervivor Ambassador whose journey across cultures shaped her passion for education and advocacy. Outside of this work, she loves traveling, spending time with family, and life with her dog. Anna shares her story in the hope that clear information and lived experience can help others feel more confident and supported.