GCAM

Silent No More: Voices Rising for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month 2025

This year, over 100,000 people in the U.S. will hear the words: “You have cancer.” For more than 30,000, it will end their life. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) 2025 is not just about awareness — it’s about survival, equity, and the power of every story to change what comes next.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. The image highlights the importance of "Below the Belt Cancers" with the phrase "SILENT NO MORE: Below the Belt Cancers Matter!" accompanied by a purple awareness ribbon. Colorful flowers and leaves decorate the corners against a purple background. The image is associated with cervivor, an organization focused on supporting those affected by cervical cancer and other gynecologic cancers.
Join in the movement “Silent No More: Below the Belt Cancers Matter!”

In 2025, this awareness comes at a critical crossroads. Recent policy shifts — including restrictions on sexual and reproductive healthcare — are compounding the barriers people already face in accessing screenings, HPV vaccinations, and lifesaving treatment. Medicaid users, rural populations, and those without robust insurance are being pushed further into the margins, where late-stage diagnoses are more likely. Meanwhile, promising research and innovation in maternal health, contraception, and gynecologic care could change outcomes — but without equity in funding and delivery, many will never see those advances in time.

A Black woman with long, dark hair and highlights is pictured on the left side of the image, wearing a blue sweater and smiling slightly. To the right of the woman is a lavender text box containing a quote about healthcare access. The quote reads: "I was told coverage didn't apply to the test my doctor ordered. If I hadn't pushed, I might not be here today. Access isn't a privilege — it's survival." In the bottom-right corner of the image, there is a logo for "cervivor" with the tagline "informed. empowered. alive."
Kimberly Williams, Chief DEI Officer, Cervivor, Inc.

GCAM 2025 matters now more than ever. Silence is deadly. Stories save lives. And we are united in one mission: to spread awareness about gynecologic cancers so that no voice goes unheard, no symptom goes ignored, and no life is cut short.

Breaking the Silence: The Power of Story

Cancer disrupts lives in profound and lasting ways. Yet every time a survivor shares their experience, they create ripples of hope, comfort, and education for someone else. Stories aren’t just personal — they are community tools for change.

Three people are standing together in front of a wall with blue and white diagonal stripes. The person on the left is Caucasian and has long brown hair and is wearing a white "cervivor" shirt and blue jeans. The middle person is also Caucasian and has short blonde hair, is wearing a teal "cervivor" shirt and blue jeans, and has her arms around the other two. The person on the right is a Black woman who is bald, wearing a black shirt with a graphic that says "MAKING CANCER PAY!" and black pants. An orange text box on the left contains a quote: "When I shared my story, it wasn't just about me. It gave someone else the courage to ask their doctor questions — and that conversation identified pre-cancerous cells that were treated." The cervivor logo with the tagline "informed. empowered. alive." is at the bottom left.
Cervivor School Graduates, Julianna Ferrone, Cindy Trice, and Chanel Cooper

Cervivor’s mission is to amplify these voices so that no person faces gynecologic cancer alone and no warning sign is overlooked.

What You Need to Know: Symptoms & Cancers

Awareness begins with knowledge. Here are the five primary types of gynecologic cancers and their warning signs:

An orange background features a quote in white text that reads: "I dismissed bloating and pain for months. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts sooner. Now I remind everyone: Listen to your body, even if it feels small." Below the quote is the logo for "cervivor" with the tagline "informed. empowered. alive."
  • Cervical Cancer → Abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain. Screened via Pap/HPV test.
  • Ovarian Cancer → Often called the “silent killer” for vague symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and urinary issues. No routine screening.
  • Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer → Unusual vaginal bleeding; linked to obesity and hormone factors.
  • Vulvar & Vaginal Cancers → Symptoms may include persistent itching, lumps, or sores. HPV vaccination provides protection.

Dispelling Myths

Misinformation creates dangerous delays. Let’s set the record straight:

  • Young people are not immune. Gynecologic cancers occur at every age.
  • Family history isn’t always the cause. HPV drives many cases.
  • Symptoms aren’t always obvious. Small or subtle changes matter.
  • These cancers can be survivable. Early detection saves lives.
A Caucasian woman with blonde hair and a warm smile is shown on the right side of the image, wearing a black blazer over a cream-colored top and adorned with a necklace and a teal ribbon pin. On the left side, against a periwinkle blue background, a quote in white text reads: "I WAS TOLD I WAS TOO YOUNG FOR CANCER. THAT FALSE REASSURANCE DELAYED MY DIAGNOSIS. NOBODY SHOULD BE DISMISSED WHEN THEIR HEALTH IS AT RISK." At the bottom left, the logo for "cervivor" appears with the tagline "informed. empowered. alive."
Cervivor Community Member, Athena Porter

Health Starts with Self-Care

Health is more than surviving disease; it is thriving in body, mind, and community. This holistic approach to wellness recognizes that our overall health is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including our physical health, mental well-being, and social connections. By focusing on nurturing these different aspects of our lives, we can cultivate a deeper sense of vitality and resilience that goes beyond just avoiding illness. These five habits can make a difference:

  1. Keep your checkups. Prevention saves lives.
  2. Eat to support your health. Balance matters.
  3. Move your body in ways that work for you.
  4. Prioritize rest and recovery.
  5. Stay hydrated — it’s simple but powerful.
Pam Akers, a cervical cancer survivor from 2016, Cervivor School graduate, and 2025 Cervivor Champion, is featured in the Cervivor Spotlight. A photo shows Pam speaking at a podium with the Cervical Cancer Summit logo during an event with an American flag in the background. A quote from Pam reads, "For years I put everyone else first. Cancer showed me my health had to matter too. Self-care isn't selfish — it's essential." The image includes the Cervivor logo with the tagline "informed. empowered. alive."

Cervivor Ambassador, Pam Akers speaking at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered by Cervivor, Inc.

Join our private Facebook community, Survivor Slimdown, where cancer survivors support and empower each other on their journey to a healthier, happier life beyond cancer. Share your story, get motivation, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of survivorship.

Advocacy and Action: Your Role in GCAM 2025

Cervivor is an organization driven by a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cervical cancer. Grounded in a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges surrounding this disease, Cervivor’s mission is built upon a foundation of support, education, and advocacy. This foundation is crucial in fostering an environment where survivors, caregivers, and allies can find support, resources, and a community with a collective voice to push for change. Cervivor’s purpose encompasses various initiatives and efforts that blend and create a comprehensive approach to addressing cancer. This purpose is encapsulated in three core pillars:

A bi-racial woman with blue hair and glasses stands smiling against a teal background on the right side of the image. On the left side, against a purple background, is a quote in white text that reads, "I speak up because my story may be the reason someone gets screened. That's how awareness becomes action." Below the quote is the logo for "cervivor" with the tagline "informed. empowered. alive."
  • Support and Empowerment → Safe spaces for survivors, caregivers, and allies.
  • Education and Awareness → Stories, resources, and campaigns that inform.
  • Advocacy for Equity → Advancing HPV vaccination, screening, and policy change so that access is a right, not a privilege.

Cervivor Ambassador, Christy Chambers

How to Get Involved

  • Wear your cancer colors to spark conversations.
  • Share your story on social media using Cervivor’s templates.
  • Educate your circle — share graphics, host conversations.
  • Join or host a meet-up to build local connections.
  • Contact media to elevate survivor voices.
  • Partner with Cervivor — every supporter helps push awareness forward.

Breaking Stigma, Embracing Diversity

Disparities remain stark. Communities of color, rural populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionate risk and poorer outcomes. Cervivor is committed to equity: uplifting diverse voices, offering culturally competent resources, and ensuring language access so that every person can protect their health.

Three women (a Black woman, a Caucasian woman, and an Asian woman )are seated in chairs on a stage, engaged in a discussion. The woman on the right is holding a microphone and appears to be speaking. A quote overlay reads, "Representation matters. When I saw someone like me speaking out, I knew I wasn't alone." At the bottom of the image, the logo for "cervivor" is displayed with the tagline "informed. empowered. alive." The image has an orange-brown tint.
Cervical Cancer Survivors, Kimberly Williams, Aisha McClellan, and Arlene Simpson share their stories at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered by Cervivor, Inc.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future

GCAM isn’t just a month on the calendar; it’s a catalyst for lasting awareness and change. Together, by sharing knowledge, building community, and standing united in one mission, we move closer to a future where:

  • Gynecologic cancers are rare.
  • Survivors thrive.
  • Every voice is heard and valued.

This September, own your story, spread awareness, and help Cervivor lead the way to a healthier, more informed world.

You Are Worth It: Celebrating Women’s Health and Fitness

This month we acknowledge and celebrate women’s health and well-being for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM). We’re utilizing today to remind women to take care of their physical and mental health.

 Did you know? Two-thirds of women in the United States provide regular support, are caregivers to others, and often forget about their own health and well-being. Unfortunately, this creates a greater risk for poor physical and mental health. We encourage women to make their health a priority.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the definition of health is as follows:

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

Regardless of what you think of this definition, the World Health Organization has not changed it since 1948. We know that sometimes, as women we tend to put ourselves to the side. However, we need to change our mindset and make ourselves a priority (just like our 2022 Cervical Cancer Awareness Month theme: Take Care of You).

Here are five tips to help you live a healthier life:

1. Checkups – Make sure you do not skip your regular checkups, screenings, and exams that you may need. We need to remember that prevention and early detection saves lives.

2. Nutrition – Eating and enjoying a balanced diet is essential for our overall health. Find a balance that works for your lifestyle. No matter what you think about diets, we ALL have one. A diet is simply a pattern of eating. Whatever health means to you, the right diet will support it. There is no one-size-fits-all model for dietary patterns and health.

3.  Get Active – We will not call it exercise but instead, we will say, “Move the body.” The body is never meant to be sedentary. Recent studies show us that sitting is the new smoking. Finding a movement that works for you is key. Starting small and working up to the recommended 150 minutes a week will give you so many benefits for your mind, your body, and your spirit.

4.  Sleep – We must try to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours at night. It is during this time that the body repairs, allowing healing and restoration to occur. Lack of sleep is associated with negative health effects. So in other words…get your snooze on, ladies!

5.  Hydration – Drinking water is crucial for our bodies. The majority of adults do not hydrate themselves close to the recommended level. Multiple studies report that 75% of adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic dehydration. As we age, your body’s thirst signal diminishes, so as a rule of thumb when you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Please, please drink your water.

If all these steps are too overwhelming for you – believe me, you are NOT alone. 

New habits do not happen overnight. It takes repetition and we need to adapt them little by little into our lives and psyche until they become second nature. Some studies say that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic – you have time to start now!

Mel Robbins states: “Old habits can take years to form. Forgive yourself if it takes more than a day to break them.”

Thank you Mel Robbins for reminding us to forgive ourselves if our work is not perfect and linear. Remember – success does not come from what we do occasionally, but from what we do consistently. 

If you are looking for support, you can join our Survivor Slimdown community. Survivor Slimdown is an online Facebook group open to ALL cancer survivors. It is a safe place for our community to support one another, and to challenge our mind, body, and spirit to live our best lives.

Patti Murillo-Casa is a retired NYC Police Officer and a 15-year cervical cancer survivor. She is a Cervivor Ambassador and the 2021 Cervivor Champion. She leads Survivor Slimdown and co-leads Cervivor Español. Patti is a Health Coach Alliance Registered Health Coach. She holds multiple certifications in the wellness and fitness space. She is also a member of the community advocacy board at Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. She resides in NYC with her husband of 25 years where she is a Group Fitness Instructor, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and a Health Advocate and Educator.