Black Communities and Cervical Cancer: Breaking the Silence for a Healthier Future

Cervical cancer affects thousands of women in the United States each year, hitting Black communities particularly hard. Of the estimated 13,360 new cases in 2025, the American Cancer Society projects 2,180 will be in Black women, with 610 deaths – a higher incidence rate than their share of the general population. Black women are 19% more likely to develop cervical cancer and nearly 65% more likely to die from it than white women. Systemic health disparities, medical mistrust, and cultural barriers both create and widen this gap. 

While other groups – such as Indigenous women, Latinas, and LGBTQ+ individuals – face similar challenges, Black women experience them at disproportionately higher rates. Kimberly Williams knows this firsthand. 

Kimberly’s Story

A headshot of Kimberly Williams, who has long black hair and is wearing a teal turtleneck sweater. She looks directly at the camera with a slight smile.
Kimberly Williams

“I had never heard of cervical cancer before. I thought I was the only person in the world with it,” recalls the Houston mother of two, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2018 after visiting a doctor for irregular menstrual cycles in late 2017. She felt blindsided, like many who receive a late-stage diagnosis – a trend that is on the rise, with Black women having the highest number of these cases.

Kimberly was taught to keep family matters private, especially health issues. “Growing up, my mother would say, ‘What goes on in the house stays in the house.'” But staying silent only made her feel more isolated.

After a radical hysterectomy in March, her surgeon informed her that all of the cancer wasn’t gone and she would need radiation and chemotherapy. When her insurance repeatedly denied PET scan authorization – an imaging test crucial for assessing her condition – she became discouraged.  “After a couple of months, I thought, ‘Forget it. I’m fine. I’m healed,’” she shares in this new CervivorTV video.


But she wasn’t fine. A recurrence in 2019 forced Kimberly to undergo treatment. Her oncologist’s dismissive approach almost made her walk away again.

“She just said, ‘You’re starting chemo tomorrow,’ without explaining anything. I had to say, ‘Talk to me like I’ve never had cancer before,’” says Kimberly, who holds a master’s degree and has been a social services worker for over 20 years. “Some people would stop their treatment right there. Not being respected enough to have things explained properly is a major barrier to care.” 

Fortunately, Kimberly’s story has a happy ending. Now cancer-free, she is committed to speaking out to help others avoid the struggles she faced.

“As a Black woman, I realized that other Black people listen to other Black people. That’s just how it is,” says Kimberly, who now serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) Officer at Cervivor, Inc. and was recently named to the Steering Committee of the American Cancer Society National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer. “I had to make the hard decision to share my story.” 

‘Holes’ in the Healthcare System

Kimberly’s experience underscores the need for shared stories to drive change in cervical cancer outcomes. Yet, significant healthcare disparities and barriers to care persist. 

Despite recent reports that some public health officials are being discouraged from using terms like “health equity” and “disparities,” Cervivor Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder warns against brushing aside the research fueling life-saving progress. “Health equity is more important than ever. Ignoring the reasons behind disparities only makes the gaps wider,” says Tamika, a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB) and co-chair of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable. “We know where the inequities exist and why. Trying to erase or undermine the incredible work being done to close these gaps is deeply troubling. If we continue down this path, it will be even harder to repair.”


Dr. Lynn Richards McDonald, Clinical Program Director for cervical cancer screening at Johns Hopkins Hospital, is a leading expert on health equity. She has dedicated her career to advancing it through advocacy, collaboration, and community outreach. Dr. McDonald identifies critical “holes” in the healthcare system that contribute to higher cervical cancer mortality rates in the Black community: “These ‘holes’ – cost, lack of knowledge, embarrassment, clinical bias, cultural differences, and fear – prevent timely screenings and treatment,” explains Dr. McDonald, who spoke about strategies for inclusive cervical cancer care at last month’s Cervical Cancer Summit Powered by Cervivor, Inc.

Key Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment

One striking paradox: Although Black women have higher rates of initial Pap testing (64% in the past two years compared to 59% of white women, 60% of Hispanic women, and 57% of Asian women), they still face disproportionately high cervical cancer rates. This disparity is largely due to lower follow-up rates after abnormal Pap results and later-stage diagnoses. A 2020 systematic review of 34 studies involving over 1.2 million patients found that even a three-week delay in cancer treatment, including cervical cancer, significantly impacts survival rates.

Dr. Andrea Stubbs, Administrative Director for the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, emphasizes how poor communication by medical professionals can affect follow-up after an abnormal Pap or positive HPV test: “Patients of color often receive vague explanations, like ‘dirty cells’ or ‘a little virus,’ which downplay the urgency of follow-up. For many, missing work for appointments means losing money, adding another layer of difficulty.” 

Julia Brown, MPH, and Andrea Stubbs, MPA, of St. Jude accept the Cervivor Champion Award for their dedication and contributions to ending cervical cancer.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently received the Cervivor Champion Award for its dedication to ending cervical cancer. Dr. Andrea Stubbs (on the right) and Julia Brown accept the award on behalf of the organization at the 2025 Summit.

Where people live and insurance coverage affect outcomes, too. In 2022, Human Rights Watch reported that rural Black women face a cervical cancer rate nearly 50% higher than rural white women and are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages with lower survival rates. A 2023 study also confirmed that Black women have 18% higher odds of receiving a advanced-stage diagnosis compared to white women, largely due to health insurance access. 

When it comes to enrollment in cutting-edge clinical trials, the gap is even wider – less than 5% of participants are Black, limiting how applicable the results are to diverse populations. Barriers such as travel distance to research centers and a lack of transparency in trial processes add to this underrepresentation.

“Many Black women hesitate to participate in clinical trials due to distrust of the medical community,” explains Tiffany Drummond, a clinical research expert who spoke on the topic at the recent Summit. “Patients are smart, but they don’t know what they don’t know until the research and data are shared with them. Why can’t that information be shared?”


Cervivor Ambassador Gwendolyn “Gwen” Jackson, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer in 2020, credits clinical trials for extending her life. “I’m still alive because of clinical trials,” says the Texas grandmother of three. However, she initially had concerns about participating: “In the African-American community, there’s a deep-rooted distrust of clinical trials,” she shared with The Patient Story last December. “It goes back to when they were using African Americans for experiments and really being the ‘guinea pigs.’”

Medical Mistrust: A Barrier Rooted in History

Gwen’s insight on the roots of medical mistrust in the Black community is spot-on. As Dr. Wendy Kline shares in the latest Cervivor Podcast about her new book Exposed: The Hidden History of the Pelvic Exam, the gynecological abuse of Black women in America dates back over 200 years. It began with James Marion Sims, often called the “father of modern gynecology,” and has persisted through generations.

“The origins of gynecology date back to the 19th century with the invention of the speculum,” Dr. Kline, a Historian of Medicine at Purdue University, explains, referring to the familiar tool used for pelvic exams. “Sims built gynecology on the bodies of enslaved women, three of whom underwent multiple procedures without anesthesia. These non-consensual experiments perfected techniques that defined the field, raising ongoing questions about consent and ethical treatment.” She adds, “Although not every gynecologist is abusive, the history is inherently problematic.” (Read more about the three enslaved women – Anarcha, Betsy, and Lucy – and what they endured in the name of “science” in this powerful retelling by Women & the American Story.)


Another example is Henrietta Lacks, a now-celebrated Black woman who sought treatment at Johns Hopkins in 1951 for abnormal vaginal bleeding. A tobacco farmer and mother of five, she was admitted to the “colored ward,” as a recent St. Jude Research article recounts. After eight months of radiation treatment, Henrietta died at 31, but her cancer cells were taken without consent, leading to the development of HeLa cells that advanced cervical cancer research. (To learn more about Henrietta’s impact on medical ethics, check out last month’s Cervivor Podcast with her great-granddaughter, Veronica Robinson, and Johns Hopkins’ Dr. McDonald.)

The article summarizes, “The medical mistrust generated by historical mistreatments has been passed down over time. Avoiding regular gynecological care makes Black women more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer, decreasing survival.”

Breaking the Cycle: How Awareness Can Save Lives

St. Jude highlights another critical factor contributing to higher cervical cancer mortality rates among Black women: lack of awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine, in particular. Data from the Office of Minority Health (OMH) indicates that in 2022, non-Hispanic Black females aged 19 to 26 were 20% less likely to have ever received an HPV vaccine than non-Hispanic white females in the same age group.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that vaccine uptake among all children is still quite low, with only 38.6% of children aged 9 to 17 receiving at least one dose in 2022. While there is no significant statistical difference between Black and white children, health insurance status is a key factor. A February 2024 CDC report found that children with private health insurance (41.5%) were most likely to have received one or more HPV vaccine doses, compared with children with Medicaid coverage (37.0%), other government coverage (30.2%), and those without insurance (20.7%). Despite initial gains in coverage from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Black people remain 1.5 times more likely to be uninsured than white people, according to a February 2025 report looking at health coverage by race and ethnicity between 2010 and 2023.


But awareness and access aren’t the only barriers. As with avoiding gynecological check-ups or low participation in clinical trials, medical mistrust contributes to some Black parents’ hesitancy or refusal to vaccinate their children against HPV. A 2023 Journal of Pediatric Health Care study led by Ariel Washington, Ph.D., MSSW, of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute found that concerns ranged from vaccine safety to the recommended age, noting that, “Some believed their children were being offered the vaccine at a younger age than most because the health care provider believed the child would become sexually active earlier.” 

In an article about the study on the cancer institute’s website, Dr. Washington shared, “One recurring theme was that parents often felt unheard and unable to ask questions about HPV vaccination.” The study reinforces St. Jude’s recommendation that clear, direct communication from healthcare providers is key to increasing vaccination rates in Black communities.

For Black cervical cancer survivors like Kimberly, who remembers not knowing anything about HPV or cervical cancer when she was diagnosed, spreading awareness in the Black community is imperative. “I realized I had to make sure others knew about the resources out there to prevent cervical cancer: screening and vaccination. By keeping quiet, we risk lives.”

If you feel unheard by your medical providers, Gwen offers this advice: “When you go to the doctor’s office, they are working for you. You are not working for them. So, it’s okay to use your voice. If something feels wrong, speak up. If there’s a treatment you don’t want, say that.”

Find Your Community and Take Action

Most importantly, you don’t have to go through this alone. For many, finding community is life-changing. Kimberly describes discovering Cervivor as a turning point in her recovery. Gwen was surprised by the sense of solidarity she found: “I thought it was just Black women who went through this. But now, being in the teal-and-white community, the Cervivor community, we chat with each other. It’s all of us, as women.”

Cancer survivor Bikira Radcliffe, who founded United Colors of Cancer in 2020 to ensure optimal cancer care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), also highlights the growing role of faith-based organizations in supporting mental health and cancer care in communities of color. “In Black and Brown communities, mental health is only now becoming a common discussion,” she shared during a panel at the Summit. “Many people turn to churches and similar institutions for support, and we’re seeing these organizations begin integrating cancer care and mental health resources into their missions.”

Esra Urkmez Uzel, Lilly Stairs, and Bikira Radcliffe speak on a panel about patient advocacy and cancer burnout prevention at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit. Bikira, wearing a bright pink shirt and matching head wrap, is seated on the left.
From left, Esra Urkmez Uzel, Lilly Stairs, and Bikira Radcliffe discuss patient advocacy and preventing cancer burnout at the 2025 Summit.

Ultimately, the story of cervical cancer in the Black community isn’t just about statistics – it’s about lived experiences that highlight the urgent need for change. At Cervivor, we are committed to ending cervical cancer through:

  • Education: Providing accurate, accessible information on HPV, cervical cancer risks, and the importance of regular screenings.
  • Advocacy: Amplifying voices to break the stigma and silence surrounding these issues.
  • Empowerment: Encouraging individuals to take charge of their health by advocating for themselves, asking questions, and demanding timely, respectful care.

Consider these ways to connect with other Black cervical cancer patients and survivors through Cervivor:

Cervivor community members of color, wearing Cervivor Cares shirts, smile together at the 2024 Communities of Color Retreat in Cleveland, OH. Tamika Felder has her arm around Gwen Jackson.
Participants at Cervivor’s 2024 Communities of Color Retreat in Cleveland, OH.
  • Communities of Color Retreat – A training to support and empower individuals from diverse communities who have been impacted by cervical cancer, the retreat aims to provide a platform for sharing experiences, connecting with others, and promoting health equity and awareness about cervical cancer. Learn more about the most recent retreat.
  • Cervivor Noir – A private group reserved for cervical cancer patients and survivors who identify as African American or Black. Join today and connect with others in the community!
  • Black Cervix Chat – An event that aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and provide a supportive space for discussions related to cervical health, screenings, and general well-being for those in the Black community. Watch now on CervivorTV!
  • Cervivor Stories – Visit the Cervivor website to read the testimonies of others impacted by cervical cancer and share your story with an easy-to-follow template. 

By advocating for awareness, equitable healthcare, and open conversations, the Black community can break the silence and move toward a healthier cervical-cancer-free future.

Navigating Intimacy After Cervical Cancer: Facts, Tips, and Real Talk to Get Your Sexy Back

Cervical cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that affects more than just physical health—it can deeply affect emotional well-being and intimate relationships. From the emotional toll of a serious diagnosis to the physical changes that disrupt intimacy, it can challenge both self-identity and personal connections. Unfortunately, many survivors navigate this journey alone—whether due to discomfort in discussing such a personal matter or simply a lack of information and trusted resources.

During two interactive sessions at Cervivor’s recent Cervical Cancer Summit—one focused on intimacy after cervical cancer and the other on navigating menopause with confidence—participants felt safe enough to openly shared their experiences and concerns in a supportive space. Here is just some of what they said:

“I no longer feel like a woman. I’m disconnected from my sexual self, and I don’t know how to get it back. My recent pelvic exam caused days of bleeding, and I get a UTI with most insertions.”

“No one talks about the sex part of cervical cancer. My doctor just handed me a box of dilators with no explanation on how to use them or how often.”

“I didn’t know about any of this until Cervivor. It still has not been a conversation topic with my medical team unless I talk about it with them.”

These honest reflections highlight the need for open conversations and greater awareness—including, in some cases, among medical professionals. Whether you’re undergoing treatment or navigating recovery, understanding the facts and exploring new ways to connect can empower you to rediscover what feels good for you and regain confidence in your intimate life. It can also help you navigate intimacy with a current or future partner. Acknowledging the impact of cervical cancer on intimacy and relationships—and seeking out support and strategies for maintaining connection—can strengthen bonds and enhance overall well-being.

How Cervical Cancer Impacts Intimacy

Surviving cervical cancer is a triumph, but it often comes with a host of lasting physical and emotional challenges. For many survivors, it’s a case of “I survived, but no one prepared me for this.” These challenges can profoundly affect intimacy, touching both the body and the mind in ways that can feel overwhelming and isolating.

While the emotional and physical tolls of cervical cancer are unique to each person, they often manifest in two key areas: the physical changes resulting from treatment, and the emotional shifts that affect a person’s sense of self and connection to others.

Cervical Cancer Survivor and Cervivor Community Member Amanda Hunter

Physical Impact
Treatments for cervical cancer can lead to a variety of challenges that make physical intimacy difficult. These include vaginal dryness, pelvic pain, and changes in sexual sensation—issues that can significantly affect a person’s ability to engage in or enjoy sexual activities. This is expressed powerfully by Cervivor community member Amanda Hunter: “I have changed after my cancer diagnosis and treatment, and I don’t know how to fix it. The main thing I regret is having my hysterectomy. I no longer feel like a woman because of it, and I am angry. I had just found the love of my life and married him—I absolutely adore my new husband. There was a time I couldn’t keep my hands off of him. But now, between the physical changes from the hysterectomy that have completely altered the feeling of sex, to the loss of hormones from radiation killing my ovaries and the menopausal symptoms that come with it, I am spending our second wedding anniversary feeling guilty because I never want to have sex anymore.”

Emotional Impact
The diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer can also take a significant emotional toll. The stress of facing cancer and undergoing treatment can trigger anxiety, depression, and concerns about body image. These emotional shifts can affect sexual desire and impact overall intimacy and connection with one’s partner.

Cervivor Ambassador Ana Reyes shares her physical scars from treatment.

Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, CST, FAOSW, Chief Philanthropy Officer and President of the Inova Health Foundation, and a 22-year oncology social work professional, was the keynote speaker at the Summit session on intimacy. She shared, “Getting here required, and I know many of you experienced, much loss and grief. There needs to be space to honor that. This doesn’t mean dwelling in sadness, but if we don’t acknowledge what’s lost, we can’t celebrate what’s gained or learned, nor can we learn something different.”

Research confirms what many survivors have shared. Studies indicate that up to 50-70% of women who undergo treatment for cervical cancer experience changes in their sexual function. These changes can include reduced libido, discomfort during sex, or altered sexual satisfaction. Addressing these challenges is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and overall well-being during and after treatment. But, regardless of relationship status, navigating intimacy can be a unique journey for each woman.

Sage offers hope: “You may think, ‘I’ve completely lost interest in sex. My libido is totally gone.’ But libido starts in the mind. Wanting to want to means you still have libido and interest. Give it time and space. The beauty is that you’re going to get to know your body all over again. And figuring out what feels good is very important, whether you have a partner or not.”

Redefining Intimacy

Intimacy is often misunderstood as being solely synonymous with sexual activity, but in reality, it encompasses a broad spectrum of connections that can deepen and enrich relationships. This allows couples to explore and express their bond in various ways, creating a stronger and more resilient connection. The following aspects highlight the diverse landscape of intimacy:

Emotional Closeness: Sharing thoughts, fears, and hopes builds a deep emotional bond. This deep emotional bond is nurtured when partners feel comfortable opening up to each other, creating a safe space for vulnerability and trust. Sharing personal feelings, desires, and anxieties can bring partners closer together, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and support. It can be cultivated through regular, meaningful conversations, active listening, and empathy, ultimately strengthening the relationship.

Physical Touch: Sage emphasizes that the mind is the most important organ in sparking intimacy, while the skin is the largest one. Simple gestures like holding hands, cuddling, or offering gentle massages can foster closeness and provide comfort without the pressures of traditional sexual activity. These acts of physical affection help release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which promotes feelings of bonding and attachment. Physical touch, particularly during stressful times like cancer treatment and recovery, can be a powerful way to express love and care.

Shared Experiences: Shared experiences play a vital role in intimacy, as they provide opportunities for couples to spend quality time together. This can be achieved through various activities, such as engaging in conversation, sharing hobbies, or simply enjoying quiet moments together. These shared experiences can help both partners feel connected, creating a sense of togetherness and unity. Whether it’s cooking a meal, watching a movie, going for a walk, or practicing a hobby, the time spent together can strengthen the bond between partners, fostering a deeper sense of intimacy and connection.

5 Tips for Nurturing Intimacy

Many community members have shared their experiences with receiving a bag or box of dilators after brachytherapy (internal radiation) without a clear explanation of their importance for maintaining pelvic floor health and keeping the vaginal canal open post-treatment. Unfortunately, some have not been as fortunate and have experienced their vaginal canals fusing together. On the other hand, many have received the necessary education, engaged in open dialogue with their care team, and are achieving tremendous success in their post-treatment phase. Cervical cancer survivor Samantha wholeheartedly recommends dilating and shares in her Cervivor Story: “Your sex life does not have to be over after this! In some cases, it’s physically impossible, and I understand that. But for the vast majority of us, with consistent dilation, pelvic floor therapy, and lube, we can repair vaginal tissues and have a sex life again.”

It’s essential to remember that you matter and should never hesitate to advocate for yourself. The following tips can help you navigate the challenges of intimacy after cervical cancer treatment:

  • Open Communication: Discuss your feelings, needs, and concerns with your partner. Honest dialogue can help both of you navigate the physical and emotional challenges together.
  • Explore Alternative Forms of Connection: If traditional sexual activity is uncomfortable, consider non-sexual forms of intimacy like cuddling, massage, or simply spending quality time together. Redefining what intimacy means for you can pave the way for a deeper connection.
  • Seek Professional Support: Professional counselors, therapists, or sexologists with experience in cancer care can offer strategies tailored to your situation, including interventions like pelvic floor therapy or sexual counseling to address specific concerns.
  • Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote overall well-being. Exercise, mindfulness practices, and self-compassion can improve your mood and self-esteem, making it easier to embrace intimacy.
  • Educate Yourselves: Understanding the potential side effects of treatments can help set realistic expectations. Trusted sources like the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society provide comprehensive information on managing these challenges.

Products and Resources for Sexual Health

The following products and resources can help patients and survivors manage sexual health challenges:

Pictured: Soul Source Silicone Vaginal Dilators

  • Dilators: Are used to moisturize, stretch and strengthen for overall vaginal health. Products like Soul Source or Intimate Rose are popular due to the silicone material. Typically recommended use of 3-5 times a week at 5-20 minutes.
  • Depth Control Devices: Like Ohnut to help you control depth and alleviate pain.
  • Lubricants: Water-based artificial lubrication (paraben and glycerin-free) like Sliquid, Slippery Stuff, and as an alternative, coconut oil.
  • Vaginal Moisturizers: Like Replens, Good Clean Love, and Aloe Cadabra to provide relief for vaginal dryness and discomfort.
  • Pelvic Floor Therapist Referral: A specialist for retraining and strengthening pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, Cervu Health offers pelvic therapy solutions for female cancer survivors. If you experience chronic pelvic pain or discomfort during sexual activity (dyspareunia), consider participating in their research study to help develop a treatment device for women facing similar challenges.

It’s essential to understand the difference between moisturizers and lubricants, as well as the importance of maintaining the vagina’s natural pH balance. Hormonal changes, radiation, and chemotherapy can affect the vagina’s pH balance, making it crucial to choose products that are gentle and suitable for your needs.

Last Thoughts

Cervical cancer treatment can significantly impact a woman’s sexual health and intimacy. However, remember that these aspects are vital parts of your overall well-being. Or, as Sage wisely says: “Think about what sexual intimacy is really about with another person. Orgasms are a great thing to experience, but that isn’t the goal.” With the right support and resources, you can navigate these challenges and build a stronger, more meaningful relationship with yourself and your partner. Research shows that interventions like pelvic floor rehabilitation and targeted therapy can improve sexual function and quality of life for cervical cancer survivors. Open communication with your care team and partner is essential in strengthening your connection and enhancing your life.

By advocating for yourself, exploring new forms of connection, and seeking support from communities like Cervivor, you can redefine intimacy in a way that honors both your physical and emotional needs.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. It is essential to always consult your healthcare provider regarding any concerns or questions about your treatment or health. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, personal medical decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.