AANHPI Communities and Cervical Cancer: Breaking Cultural Silence to Save Lives

In the first of two blog posts for AANHPI Heritage Month, cervical cancer survivors and experts highlight the dangers of staying silent when a disproportionate number of lives are at risk.

Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities are the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S., now totaling over 24 million people—about 8% of the population. This diverse group includes millions of Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, and others, and is projected by the U.S. Census Bureau to double by 2060.

While “AANHPI” may be a useful acronym for these distinct communities, it’s not the only thing they have in common. They also share a serious health concern: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Asian Americans and the second-leading cause for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Cervical cancer, in particular, demands urgent attention. At first glance, non-Hispanic Asian American and Pacific Islander women appear to have lower cervical cancer rates than other racial and ethnic groups: 6 cases per 100,000, compared to 10 for Hispanic women, 8.4 for non-Hispanic Black women, and 6.9 for non-Hispanic white women, according to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.

But a closer look at the numbers reveals stark disparities. Vietnamese women, for example, have a cervical cancer incidence rate of 18.9 per 100,000, while Laotian women face an even higher rate of 20.7 per 100,000—more than triple the overall AANHPI average.

[source: National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics]

Mortality disparities are just as alarming. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women experience death rates up to 3.3 times higher from cervical, stomach, and uterine cancers than white women—even though their overall cancer mortality is 7% lower.

These disproportionately high rates are often fueled by a mix of cultural beliefs and stigma about “below the belt” cancers, language barriers, lower general awareness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer risks, and other factors. As a result, HPV vaccination and screening rates are lower—key tools in Cervivor, Inc.’s mission to eliminate cervical cancer

“Despite their growing number, Asian Americans have long been overlooked in health disparities research,” says Dr. Ha Ngan “Milkie” Vu, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. A Vietnamese immigrant, Dr. Vu leads Project HERO, which tests culturally tailored digital tools to increase HPV vaccination among Vietnamese Americans. She elaborates: “The ‘model minority’ stereotype (i.e., overemphasis on Asians’ ability to overcome hardship and succeed in America) masks real gaps in health equity, especially when it comes to issues like cervical cancer.” 

To understand the personal toll of cervical cancer on the AANHPI community—and what is needed to break the “culture of silence” many experience—let’s start with the story of Filipina-American survivor Arlene Simpson.

Arlene’s Story

Arlene and her father, who worked in the medical field like many in their family.

Arlene, a financial services professional and church leader in Bothell, Washington, grew up in a family of healthcare professionals—yet no one ever talked to her about HPV. “I didn’t even get my first Pap test until after I gave birth at 22,” she recalls.

Her crash course in cervical cancer began in August 2021. “During the pandemic, I missed all my annual exams and waited to see my doctors again,” she explains. At her eventual Pap and HPV test, her gynecologist discovered hemorrhaging and immediately performed a biopsy and ultrasound. Although she had a history of abnormal Pap results, her symptoms—chronic endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, heavy bleeding, and pelvic pain—had always been dismissed as “normal.” A week later, the doctor called with the diagnosis. Arlene was stunned. “I never thought I’d get cancer,” she says.

She underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and brachytherapy at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (now Fred Hutch) and the University of Washington Medical Center. Now, three years in remission, she continues follow-up visits every six months.

For Arlene, surviving cancer wasn’t just a physical battle—it was emotional, too.

“In our Filipino community, especially among the older generation, anything ‘below the belt’ isn’t discussed—especially sex or reproductive health,” she says. And when it is discussed, there’s often a lack of understanding about the causes of disease. After her diagnosis, she recalls one of her aunts saying, “How did you get that cancer? You were so wild and rebellious growing up.” The comment only deepened the shame Arlene was already feeling.

Overcoming Stigma in AANHPI Populations

Arlene’s experience resonates with others in the Cervivor community, including Joslyn Chaiprasert-Paguio, who is of Chinese and Thai descent, and Anna Ogo, who is Japanese.

Joslyn, a medical journal publisher and mom from Menifee, CA, says, “The pressure to stay silent about reproductive health made it even harder to find my voice. Cervical cancer became even more taboo because it’s ‘below the belt.’”

Anna, who lives in Kent, WA, with her husband and their “Cervivor Baby,” 18-month-old Eito, adds, “Sharing my story became a source of healing. As an Asian woman, breaking the silence around reproductive health helped me process grief, connect with others, and inspire hope.”

Dr. Zhengchun Lu, a cancer pathologist and resident physician at Oregon Health & Science University, says stigma and misinformation about HPV remain common in many AANHPI communities. She recalls one Asian American patient’s reaction to an HPV diagnosis: “It must be my husband.” For Dr. Lu, this reinforced how shame and blame still surround HPV—a challenge she actively addresses in patient care and community outreach, where she emphasizes that HPV is extremely common and not a reflection of a person’s behavior or character. 

“By fostering open, judgment-free conversations, we can help people feel safe, informed, and empowered to take charge of their health,” she says. As part of her work, Dr. Lu introduces cervical cancer screening in relatable terms—comparing Pap and HPV tests to routine checks like blood pressure or cholesterol screenings.

Anh Le with her parents on her medical school graduation day.

While stigma is widespread, it is not universal across AANHPI communities. Anh Le, born in Vietnam and now living in Phoenix, Arizona, shares a different experience. Diagnosed at age 30 in 2018 while attending medical school in Chicago, she didn’t face judgment from her family—but she did hesitate to tell them.

“When it came to fertility goals, the hopeful anticipation of having grandchildren was a topic that my mother often talked about,” shares Anh, who is an only child. “I was afraid of disappointing them.”

To her relief, Anh received nothing but “immense love and support.” And she credits her parents’ self-sacrifice during her two-month recovery from a total pelvic exenteration—a major surgery removing all pelvic organs, as described in a recent Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center article—and especially her mother’s cooking, which “single-handedly nourished me back to health.”

How Cervivor is Empowering AANHPI Survivors

Today, survivors like Arlene, Joslyn, and Anna are powerful Cervivor Ambassadors for change. Arlene and Anna recently represented Cervivor at the 2025 Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) meeting, where Arlene was a panelist. Joslyn serves on the ACS National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer and hosts the Cervivor Podcast.

Soon-to-be surgeon Anh reflects: “Being part of Cervivor helped me understand what it means to be both a patient and a future doctor. As a young AAPI adult with cervical cancer, it was lonely.” Her advice: “Don’t blame yourself. Be proactive. Make sure your care team aligns with your goals. And remember—there’s a community here to support you.”

Arlene credits Cervivor founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder for helping her find her voice. “When Tamika encouraged me to share my story, I saw its impact. Someone in Bulgaria heard it and got help. My Filipino cousins—some of them doctors—are now talking about the HPV vaccine. Cervivor gave me a platform and a purpose.”

Join the Cervivor Movement

Stories like Arlene’s, Anh’s, Joslyn’s, and Anna’s remind us that silence can be deadly—but sharing our voices can be lifesaving. If you’re ready to break the stigma, build community, and be part of the movement to end cervical cancer, sign up for updates about our next Cervivor School or join our next virtual Creating Connections meetup this upcoming June 10. Your story matters, and together, we can save lives—one conversation at a time.

Fueling Your Fight: How a Healthy Diet Can Improve Cervical Cancer Outcomes

March is National Nutrition Awareness Month, and Cervivor, Inc. is shining a light on the critical link between a healthy diet and improved outcomes for cervical cancer survivors. With an estimated 18 million individuals in the U.S. having a history of cancer in 2022 (Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2022-2024), understanding the role of nutrition in survivorship is more vital than ever.

As a cervical cancer survivor, you likely recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of recurrence. One crucial aspect of this is a balanced diet, which can optimize your immune system, aid in eliminating human papillomavirus (HPV), and strengthen your body’s response to cancer. Research suggests that certain antioxidant nutrients and dietary patterns may help mitigate the impact of HPV, potentially reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer (Medical News Today). By making informed food choices, you can empower your body to fight against HPV and cervical cancer. Read along as we explore the connection between nutrition, the immune system, and inflammation, as well as actionable tips and resources for survivors to incorporate into their daily lives.

The Impact of Nutrition on Cervical Cancer Outcomes

Research has shown that a healthy diet can play a significant role in improving outcomes for cancer survivors. A well-balanced diet can:

  • Boost the immune system: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support the immune system, which is critical for fighting cancer.
  • Reduce inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for cancer recurrence. A diet high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Support overall health: A healthy diet can help manage treatment side effects, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall well-being.

Helpful Tips for a Healthy Diet

Incorporating healthy eating habits into your daily life can seem overwhelming sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some actionable tips to get you started:

  • Focus on whole foods: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins and support overall health.
  • Limit processed and sugary foods: Try to limit your intake of processed and sugary foods, which can be high in empty calories and low in essential nutrients.
  • Cook at home: Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes of your meals, making it easier to make healthy choices.

Important Reminder: Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan that meets your unique needs and health goals.

Addressing Disparities in Access to Healthy Food

Unfortunately, access to healthy food is not equal for everyone. Food deserts, socioeconomic disparities, and lack of nutrition education can all create barriers to healthy eating. Many communities, particularly in low-income and rural areas, lack access to grocery stores and other retailers that sell healthy, affordable food. This can lead to a reliance on convenience stores and fast food restaurants, which often sell high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium foods that can exacerbate health problems. Furthermore, people with lower incomes may struggle to afford healthy food, which can be more expensive than processed and fast food. Without access to accurate and reliable nutrition information, people may not know how to make healthy food choices or prepare nutritious meals.

Resources to Check Out

  • Community gardens where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables. These gardens not only provide access to fresh produce but also serve as community hubs where people can learn about nutrition and cooking.
  • Farmers’ markets offer fresh, locally sourced produce and often feature cooking demonstrations and nutrition education.
  • Food banks and pantries provide access to healthy food for those in need.
  • Some organizations or programs such as Feeding America or SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education) also offer nutrition education and cooking classes.

Nutrition Education and Resources Powered By Cervivor

At Cervivor, we’re committed to providing education and resources to support cancer survivors in their journey toward a healthier lifestyle after cancer. We believe that every survivor deserves access to accurate, reliable, and personalized information to help them navigate the challenges of cancer survivorship. Our mission is to empower survivors with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to thrive beyond cancer. Be sure to check out our:

Cervivor Podcast: In our latest episode of the Cervivor Podcast, we’re joined by Erin Pellegrin Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, and Senior Director of Culinary Nutrition and Education at Unite for HER, who shares her expertise on the intersection of nutrition and cancer care. From practical tips on healthy eating and hydration to guidance on supplements and addressing common dietary concerns, Erin empowers patients, survivors, and caregivers with valuable insights to nourish their way through cancer. Visit our website to see the full list of listening platforms.

Wellness Wednesday: Watch a special Wellness Wednesday Q&A with Patti Murillo Casa, Cervivor Wellness Advisor, and Morgan Newman, Community Engagement Liaison, to hear their connections to the cause, the history of Survivor Slimdown, and the program’s accomplishments so far.

Patti expresses, “In a survivorship community, health promotion is crucial for improving the well-being of survivors by addressing physical, mental, and social needs, and fostering a supportive environment that enhances quality of life and long-term health. Please join our Survivor Slimdown program.”

Survivor Slimdown is a private community program designed specifically for cancer survivors, providing monthly challenges, fit tips, and support to help you achieve your health goals in survivorship. 

Try a recipe from our cooking class with cervical cancer survivor, Tracy Citeroni!

Empowering to Thrive

Nutrition Awareness Month is an opportunity to feel empowerment and hope. By prioritizing a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can take control of your health and well-being, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and promoting overall wellness. Remember, every small step counts, and making healthy choices is a journey, not a destination. 

So, take the first step today. Join our community, explore our resources, and start fueling your fight against cancer. Let’s empower every survivor to thrive beyond their diagnosis!