Communities of Color Retreat

Marking a Milestone: Q&A on the First World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day

Is it really possible to eliminate cervical cancer—not just reduce it or manage it, but wipe it off the map for good? The World Health Organization (WHO) says yes, and has set ambitious global targets to get there by 2030.

The WHO’s 90‑70‑90 cervical cancer elimination strategy calls for:

  • 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15
  • 70% of women screened by age 35 and again at 45
  • 90% of those diagnosed receiving timely treatment

But meeting this deadline will take more than aspiration—it will take collective action. And today is a major step forward.

November 17, 2025, is the first-ever World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, designated earlier this year by the World Health Assembly. Think of it like World AIDS Day or World Polio Day—global observances that didn’t just raise awareness, but helped spark the vaccines, screenings, and policies that pushed those diseases to the brink of eradication.

Cervivor, Inc. Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder and Nigeria’s First Lady and healthcare pioneer, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, were among the leaders who advocated for the day’s creation, including co-authoring a global call to action via the World Economic Forum to support it and elevate its importance on the world stage.

“I started Cervivor 20 years ago to support those affected by cervical cancer, hoping one day it wouldn’t be needed,” Tamika reflected at the time. “But too many communities are still suffering and dying from this preventable disease. A global day of recognition sends a powerful message: Awareness isn’t enough—the time for education, action, and elimination is now.”

Tamika delivers her annual “State of Cervical Cancer” address at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit—rallying survivors, advocates, and health leaders toward a future free from cervical cancer.

Below, we bring you an exclusive Q&A with Tamika and Dr. Bagudu, who is also Founder and CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), answering the same questions from Maryland, USA, and Kebbi State, Nigeria, respectively. Their voices—one from the frontlines of African health equity and the other from the heart of patient advocacy—remind us: Elimination isn’t a solo act. It’s a chorus.

Q: Why does World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day matter?

Tamika: As a cervical cancer survivor, this day feels deeply personal. It represents something I once couldn’t imagine: hope for a world where no one else has to hear the words “you have cervical cancer.” When the World Health Organization declared that eliminating cervical cancer is within reach, it turned our fight from awareness into action.

For survivors, this first official World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day is a milestone that honors every story, every loss, and every victory along the way. It reminds us that our voices matter and that lived experience can guide smarter policies, stronger outreach, and more compassionate care.

Dr. Bagudu: World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day is symbolic—a rallying point for action. The WHO’s declaration that elimination is within reach shows this is an achievable reality if we commit to the right strategies.

  • Globally, it unites countries around a common goal: HPV vaccination, wider screening, and timely treatment. As President-elect of the UICC, I see this observance as a vital tool to keep cervical cancer high on the agenda, especially for low- and middle-income countries.
  • Nationally in Nigeria, it validates years of advocacy by First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), which I co-founded. The FLAC Screening Clinic in Kebbi is one example of how global commitments can translate into local action.
  • Personally, it is deeply meaningful. As a physician, mother, and advocate, I have seen both the devastation of late diagnosis and the hope that comes with early screening or HPV vaccination.

Ultimately, this day transforms aspiration into accountability. It tells the world: We can, and we must, eliminate this disease in our lifetime.

Dr. Bagudu, presenting a diagram of the female reproductive system to women in a rural community in Kuje, Abuja, aims to empower people in her country—and around the world—with life-saving information on cervical cancer prevention and the importance of early screening.

Q: How can a global day like this drive real change?

Tamika: We’ve seen the power of global observances before. Days like World AIDS Day and World Polio Day didn’t just raise awareness; they mobilized action, funding, and accountability. World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day can do the same.

In the United States, it can shine a light on the inequities that persist in prevention and care while inspiring innovation and collaboration. When survivors, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates unite around a shared message, we can accelerate progress toward eliminating this preventable cancer.

Dr. Bagudu: Nigeria has made important strides. The government’s rollout of the HPV vaccination program is a landmark step, protecting millions of young girls. Screening services are also expanding, with initiatives like the FLAC Screening Clinic in Kebbi showing how early detection can be brought closer to communities.

Civil society has been central. Through First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), we’ve sustained awareness campaigns, mobilized resources, and ensured continuity of programs. Partnerships with groups like Roche and the Clinton Health Access Initiative have strengthened diagnostics and treatment pathways. And of course, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation is at the heart of it all.

Still, challenges remain. Many rural women face barriers of distance, cost, and stigma. Shortages of trained health workers delay follow-up and treatment. And while HPV vaccines are now part of the national program, consistent supply and uptake across all states will require sustained political will and funding.

For me, this progress proves that change is possible when government, civil society, and partners work together. But it also reminds us that elimination will not happen automatically—it demands accountability, innovation, and persistence.

Q: Why is cervical cancer elimination especially urgent in low-resource regions?

Tamika: The U.S. has the knowledge and tools to prevent nearly all cervical cancers, yet persistent inequities mean prevention isn’t reaching everyone. Communities of color, people in rural areas, immigrants, people without reliable insurance, and those with language or transportation barriers face higher risks and lower access to vaccination, screening, and timely treatment. As a survivor, I know how much access, awareness, and advocacy can determine outcomes.

Elimination in the U.S. must start with equity. That means expanding vaccination access in schools and clinics, funding community-led education, and supporting policies that make screening and treatment affordable and available for everyone. Until every community is reached, we have not truly achieved elimination.

At the recent Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color in New Orleans, Tamika Felder (far right) leads survivors and advocates in grassroots outreach—bringing life-saving cervical cancer education directly into underserved communities.

Dr. Bagudu: Cervical cancer is a stark example of global health inequity. While it is increasingly rare in high-income countries, including the U.S., it remains a leading cause of cancer deaths in Africa, where women are more likely to be diagnosed late, less likely to access treatment, and more likely to die from a preventable disease.

In Nigeria, the challenges are clear:

  • Access is uneven; urban women may find screening in tertiary hospitals, but rural women face long distances, high costs, and limited awareness.
  • Stigma and cultural barriers discourage care until symptoms are advanced.
  • Health system gaps include shortages of trained personnel, diagnostic tools, and reliable vaccine supply chains.

Yet there are real opportunities. The national HPV vaccination rollout can protect millions of girls. Screening is expanding through models like the FLAC Clinic in Kebbi, which shows how state leadership can drive change. Through the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and First Ladies Against Cancer, we’ve raised awareness, supported patients, and built partnerships that strengthen care.

As President-elect of UICC, I can amplify Africa’s voice globally, while at the grassroots, we continue training health workers and engaging communities. Cervical cancer elimination is urgent because every delay costs lives—but with political will, investment, and collaboration, it is achievable, and African women must not be left behind.

Q: What progress have you seen—and what gaps remain?

Dr. Bagudu: We are at a turning point. In Nigeria and across Africa, real progress has been made against cervical cancer.

The national HPV vaccination rollout is a landmark milestone, protecting millions of girls. Screening services are expanding, with clinics like the FLAC Screening Clinic in Kebbi, and awareness campaigns are beginning to shift cultural attitudes. Treatment capacity is also improving, with more cancer centers equipped for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while education efforts keep cancer high on the agenda.

Still, the gaps are stark. Too many women are diagnosed late, rural and low-income communities face barriers of distance, cost, and stigma, and health systems struggle with workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and limited palliative care.

This is why innovation is critical. Self-collection for HPV testing, digital health tools, mobile outreach, and task-shifting to community health workers can expand access dramatically.

The Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) is helping bridge these gaps by running awareness campaigns, supporting screening in urban and rural areas, providing financial and psychosocial support through our PACE program, and advocating for sustainable funding and best practices. Beyond Nigeria, we collaborate with regional and global partners to strengthen advocacy and ensure Africa’s challenges are reflected in international strategies.

In short, progress is real, but urgency remains. With innovation, collaboration, and sustained commitment, we can close the gaps and move decisively toward eliminating cervical cancer across the continent.

Dr. Bagudu speaks at the just-concluded Medicaid Cancer Foundation disbursement of roughly $70,000 to cancer patients in Abuja, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to patient-centered care and financial support.

Tamika: From where I stand, what’s changing most is momentum. More people are learning that HPV causes cervical cancer, vaccination rates are improving in some regions, and new technologies like HPV self-collection are showing incredible promise. Survivors are stepping into leadership roles and helping shape the national conversation about prevention and equity.

But there is still work to do. Too many people remain unaware of their risk or lack access to timely screening and treatment. Stigma and fear continue to silence conversations about cervical health. Organizations like Cervivor are helping bridge those gaps by elevating survivor voices, promoting education, and partnering with health systems to ensure innovations reach those who need them most.

Q: What message would you share on this inaugural day?

Tamika: A future without HPV-related cancers looks like prevention in every community, equity in every policy, and hope in every story. It looks like the next generation growing up protected and informed. A world without cervical cancer means no more stories like mine—and that’s the legacy I want to leave behind.

Elimination is possible, but it will take continued investment, accountability, and survivor leadership. Those of us who have lived through cervical cancer know what’s at stake, and we’re committed to making sure no one else has to.

This collage features Cervivor community members from the U.S. and around the world, showcasing powerful patient advocacy and demonstrating what survivor leadership looks like in the fight to eliminate cervical cancer.

Dr. Bagudu: On this inaugural World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, my message is one of hope and urgency. Hope—because for the first time, we have the tools to end a cancer. Urgency—because every year of delay costs thousands of women’s lives, especially in Africa.

A future without HPV-related cancers is one where girls are routinely vaccinated, women have access to simple, affordable screening close to home, and treatment is available without stigma or financial hardship. It is a future where communities celebrate survivorship rather than mourn preventable loss.

To get there, governments must prioritize vaccination, screening, and treatment; global partners must ensure equitable access; and civil society—including the Medicaid Cancer Foundation—must continue raising awareness, supporting patients, and holding leaders accountable. Innovation, from self-collection for HPV testing to digital health tools, will also be key. 

If you found this blog post helpful, please share it with friends and family. Knowledge is power—and you may just save a life. Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

What Is Patient Advocacy? And Why It’s Critical in Cervical Cancer Care

By Kyle Minnis, Cervivor Communications Assistant

Peer-led advocacy isn’t just powerful—it’s transformative. According to the National Library of Medicine, programs like Cervivor School—Cervivor’s highly regarded ambassador training program—have quadrupled cervical cancer screening rates in some underserved communities.

Peer and patient advocates provide support to those undergoing treatment, help reduce the stigma of cervical cancer and other conditions, and educate people about prevention and early detection. Perhaps most importantly, they improve survival outcomes. Their work ensures patients are seen and heard while also making the healthcare system more effective and equitable.

To mark National Patient Advocacy Day (August 19), we’re diving into what patient advocacy is, its various forms, and how it has shaped cancer care since the 1950s, when patients and families first began speaking out.

We’ll also celebrate the impact of advocates in our Cervivor community—from everyday actions to global initiatives—and share ways you can get involved in this life-saving work. 

The image is a collage of four photos of women, with a logo in the middle. The logo is white with a teal border and says "NATIONAL PATIENT ADVOCACY DAY" in teal letters. Below that, it says "cervivor" in bigger teal letters, and "informed. empowered. alive." in smaller black letters. Here's what's in the image: Top Left Photo: A woman with long black hair and glasses is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a green jacket over a white shirt and has a name tag on her left lapel. The background is a brick wall. Top Right Photo: A woman with short pink hair is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a dark blue shirt and a thin gold necklace. The background is blurry, but it looks like she's outside. Bottom Left Photo: A woman with medium-length brown hair and red glasses is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a black and white patterned top and has a colorful lei around her neck. The background is a gray wall. Bottom Right Photo: A woman with curly black hair is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a maroon shirt and a silver necklace. The background is white. The image is likely promoting National Patient Advocacy Day, which might be related to cervical cancer awareness because of the "cervivor" logo.

What Is Patient Advocacy in Cancer Care?

First, let’s define what patient advocates do. 

Clinical patient advocates—also called navigators or representatives—help patients understand their diagnosis and options, schedule and keep appointments, navigate insurance, secure resources like transportation or childcare, and coordinate care among multiple providers. Their core principle is to listen to, inform, and empower patients to actively participate in their care.

“A patient navigator is the person who makes the healthcare system accessible,” explains certified navigator Nancy Peña, OPN-CG, CMI, BA, who spent more than a decade in gynecologic oncology clinics at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). “We keep the care plan on track, the information clear, and the patient’s goals at the center. The navigator is the bridge between the patient and the medical team.”

The image shows a woman standing in front of a large sign that reads "RADIO DABANG 99.5 FM." Here's what's in the image: The woman is wearing: A black graphic t-shirt with a colorful design and the word "HOPE" in teal letters White pants Teal sneakers Her hair is styled in a short, curly updo with red highlights She's smiling and has her left hand on her hip The sign behind her features: A cityscape at night with many lit-up buildings The words "RADIO DABANG 99.5 FM" in large letters, with "RADIO" in red and the rest in white and gray The floor is made of gray carpeting with a striped pattern The image appears to be a promotional photo for a radio station, possibly taken in a studio or office. The woman may be a DJ, host, or representative of the station.
Sharica at the cervical cancer walk she organized with local radio support.

Meanwhile, nonclinical advocates—often survivors themselves—focus on building trust, hope, and community connection. Cervivor community member Sharica Lewis, diagnosed with Stage IB2 cervical cancer at age 35 in 2015, shares her journey publicly on Facebook to inspire others.

“Advocacy gives me the opportunity to share my story and support someone who may be struggling to ask questions or speak up,” says Sharica, who graduated from Cervivor School Minneapolis last year and launched her advocacy work by organizing a local cervical cancer awareness walk in her Texas town.

Nancy, who is also the Founder and Director of Navegación de Pacientes Internacional (NPI)—which trains clinical and nonclinical patient advocates in Spanish across the U.S. and Latin America—says the two types of advocates complement each other. Their goal: helping patients navigate the healthcare system while addressing emotional, cultural, and financial barriers to ensure high-quality care for all.

How Patient Advocacy Improves Cervical Cancer Outcomes

Recent studies and national summits have shown that peer and patient advocates significantly increase cervical cancer awareness and prevention—as noted above, sometimes increasing screening rates by up to four times. 

Why does this matter? Regular cervical cancer screenings have cut incidence and mortality by more than 50% over the past several decades, largely thanks to the Pap test, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN). Yet diagnoses in women aged 30 to 44 rose about 1.7% annually from 2012 to 2019, likely due to lower screening rates and gaps in prevention outreach, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS). These numbers make one thing clear: Screening saves lives—and advocates are essential to keeping it top of mind.

Effective hospital patient navigation programs can also have a measurable impact. “At DFCI/BWH, we reduced the no-show rate [for appointments] from 49% to 29% in the first five years,” says Nancy. “This success was possible through staff collaboration, consistent patient education, and multi-lingual resources that ensure every woman knows her next step.”

How Patient Advocacy Helps Close Healthcare Disparities

Here are some sobering facts: In the U.S., Black women are twice as likely—and women living in poverty four times as likely—to die from cervical cancer compared to white women. American Indian and Alaska Native women face two to three times higher mortality, while rural women are more likely to be diagnosed late and die from the disease. 

These disparities underscore the vital role patient advocates play in closing gaps in care and ensuring prevention and treatment reach those who need it most.

Patient advocacy organizations like Cervivor and Nancy’s multilingual, multinational NPI respond to these challenges by offering localized, culturally competent support, adapted education, and strong policy engagement. They earn trust by meeting women where they are and truly listening to their needs—something clinics alone can’t always do.

The image depicts a woman standing at a podium on a stage, addressing an audience. The stage is set with a large screen behind her, displaying a presentation slide titled "Speaker Spotlight" in blue text. Below the title, a circular photo of the speaker, Nancy Peña, is accompanied by her name and credentials in blue text, as well as her title and organization in smaller blue text. The slide's subtitle, "Rising Above Cultural Stigmas and Health Equity," is written in red text.
Certified patient advocate Nancy speaks to the audience at the 2024 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered by Cervivor, Inc.

Both clinical and nonclinical are irreplaceable for designing inclusive cancer care. As Nancy explains: “Native-language navigation improves informed consent, adherence, and satisfaction; reduces errors and no-shows; and honors dignity. When a woman can understand her options and feel supported, outcomes improve—and families and communities feel the difference.”

Advocacy in Action: Sharing Cervical Cancer Survivor Stories

Honduran native Karla Chavez—a Cervivor Ambassador and co-leader of the Cervivor Español community—was diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer at age 34 in 2017. After completing treatment, she says Cervivor was a “lifeline.”

“Attending Cervivor School in 2019 gave me the knowledge, confidence, and community I needed to take my advocacy to another level,” says Karla. “They provided training, resources, and a network of incredible survivors who inspire me daily.”

Since then, the award-winning advocate has participated in outreach through the 2024 Communities of Color Advocacy Training Retreat and delivered remarks during last year’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action (November 17) at a World Health Organization–hosted webinar.

The image depicts a group of people gathered outside a storefront, with one woman prominently wearing a white t-shirt featuring the text "cervivor Cares" in blue and red. The scene appears to be a promotional or awareness event, possibly related to cervical cancer or women's health. Key Elements: A woman in the center of the image is wearing a white t-shirt with the text "cervivor Cares" printed on it. She is holding a pamphlet and engaging in conversation with another woman. The surrounding individuals are also dressed casually, suggesting an informal gathering. The storefront behind them features a sign reading "SALLY Beauty," indicating that the event is taking place outside a beauty supply store.
Karla in action during community outreach in Cleveland, OH, at last year’s Communities of Color Advocacy Training Retreat.

Similarly, Cervivor Ambassador Emily Hoffman—diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer and treated in 2013—has made advocacy a central part of her life. Her “airplane advocacy”—simple, one-on-one conversations, often sparked by the HPV button she wears—can be just as impactful as speaking at larger events, like her home state’s Iowa Vaccination Summit, where she presented last September.

Emily also champions cancer registries, which are essential for improving patient outcomes and securing public health funding. In 2020, she became a certified cancer registrar, sharing, “Knowing my work could impact cancer advocacy, policy, and research—that’s the fulfillment I was looking for.”

The image depicts a group of women seated in a conference room, with five women prominently featured on the right side of the frame. They are all wearing name tags and appear to be engaged in a discussion or presentation. The women are dressed in casual attire, with some wearing blazers or cardigans over their shirts. The woman on the far left has short gray hair and is wearing a black blazer over a white blouse with a floral pattern. The second woman from the left has short blonde hair and is wearing a black blazer over a white t-shirt with blue and red writing. The third woman from the left has short blonde hair with multicolored highlights and is wearing a gray cardigan over a dark blue shirt. The fourth woman from the left has dark hair pulled back and is wearing a gray cardigan over a gray t-shirt with red writing that reads "IOWA NEEDS VACCINES." The woman on the far right has dark hair pulled back and is wearing a black hoodie over a gray shirt. In the foreground, several other women are seated at tables, facing the five women on the right. The background of the image features large windows that allow natural light to enter the room and provide a view of the outside environment. The overall atmosphere of the image suggests a professional or educational setting, possibly a conference or workshop.
Emily (center) shared her lived experience and advocacy insights at the 2024 Iowa Immunization Summit alongside Cervivor’s Community Engagement Liaison, fellow Iowan Morgan Newman (second from left).

How to Get Involved in Patient Advocacy

Patient advocacy is more important than ever. Public health initiatives—including the CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), which has helped reduce U.S. cancer death rates by 34% since 1991—face increasing threats.

If getting into patient or survivor advocacy feels overwhelming, take inspiration and advice from these Cervivor community members. 

“Start small and start from the heart,” says Karla. “At first, I didn’t know how to share my story—I was still processing everything I had gone through. What motivated me was the feeling of isolation. I didn’t know anyone else who had experienced what I had. I wanted to talk to someone and not feel alone.”

Sharica takes a similar approach: “My tag line is, ‘Let’s start the conversation!’” she says. “Cervivor has empowered me by giving me a community that understands me and everything that I’ve been through. Any opportunity I get to advocate, I’m grateful for it. I get excited when I post on social media and a parent comments that they had their child vaccinated.”

The image depicts a group of five women standing together, posing for a photograph in front of a vibrant balloon backdrop. The women are dressed in various outfits, with the central figure holding a certificate. The woman on the far left is attired in a black cardigan and blue jeans. The second woman from the left wears a white dress. The third woman, positioned centrally, holds a certificate and is dressed in a patterned dress. The fourth woman from the left is wearing a black top and patterned pants. The woman on the far right is dressed in a teal dress. The background features a wall adorned with balloons in shades of white, blue, and silver, accompanied by white flowers. A projector screen is visible on the right side of the image, displaying a logo and the text "IT'S GRADUATION TIME!" in blue letters. The floor is composed of dark tiles arranged in a geometric pattern. The overall atmosphere of the image suggests that the women are celebrating a special occasion or achievement, as indicated by the certificate being held by the central figure.
Sharica proudly displays her 2024 Cervivor School certificate of completion, surrounded by Team Cervivor, including Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder (far right).

Ready to get involved? Here’s how: 

  • Join a support group or peer network like Cervivor, which hosts monthly virtual meetups and other opportunities to connect with fellow survivors.
  • Attend advocacy trainings through programs like Cervivor School. (Applications sign up Friday, August 22, so sign up now for next month’s Kansas City training!)
  • Share your Cervivor Story—on social media, in your community, or at local events.
  • Volunteer for patient- or survivor-led initiatives.
  • Donate to organizations like Cervivor that empower patient advocates. (Our Tell 20, Give 20 fundraising campaign is ongoing—learn how to join and help save lives!)
  • Contact policymakers and lend your voice to legislative efforts that expand access to prevention, treatment, and care.

As patient navigation and advocacy continue to grow—with expanded training, certification programs, multilingual initiatives, and recognition by hospitals and public agencies—there’s hope that equitable care will become the norm, not the exception.

Nancy sums up the work well: “Navigation is a practical expression of equity.”

Together—by sharing stories, showing up for each other, and pushing for change—patient advocates are leading the way toward ending cervical cancer and building a future defined by equity, support, and survivor strength.

Honor National Patient Advocacy Day by sharing this post and joining the mission to end cervical cancer!

About the Author

The image is a portrait of a young man with dark skin and short, curly black hair. He is wearing a blue collared shirt and black-framed glasses, and is smiling at the camera. The man has dark skin and short, curly black hair. His hair is cut close to his head, with a slight fade at the sides. His eyebrows are thick and well-groomed. He is wearing a blue collared shirt. The shirt is a medium blue color and appears to be made of a lightweight material. It has a relaxed fit and is buttoned up to the top. He is also wearing black-framed glasses. The frames are rectangular in shape and have a subtle curve at the temples. The lenses are clear and do not appear to have any tint or coating. The man is smiling at the camera. His smile is wide and genuine, showing off his white teeth. His eyes are crinkled at the corners, giving him a friendly and approachable appearance. The background of the image is a plain gray color. The gray is a medium tone, neither too light nor too dark. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows the subject to stand out. Overall, the image presents a friendly and approachable young man who appears to be confident and comfortable in front of the camera

Kyle Minnis is a senior studying Strategic Communications at the University of Kansas. He is currently serving as Cervivor’s Communications Assistant.