Health Equity

Team Cervivor Attends ASCO 2024

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting is a premier event in the oncology community, gathering thousands of professionals from around the globe to discuss groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and the future of cancer care. This year, Team Cervivor attended ASCO 2024, marking a significant milestone for our organization and highlighting the critical role of patient advocates in the fight against cancer.

What is ASCO?
ASCO, founded in 1964, is a leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals. Its mission is to conquer cancer through research, education, and the promotion of the highest quality patient care. The annual ASCO meeting is the largest of its kind, offering a platform for the latest scientific advancements, policy discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees include oncologists, researchers, pharmaceutical representatives, and patient advocates, all united in their dedication to improving cancer care.

Our presence at ASCO 2024 was a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of patient voices in shaping cancer care and research. Here’s why our participation matters:

  1. Amplifying Patient Voices: As patient advocates, we bring the perspectives and experiences of those directly affected by cervical cancer. Our stories and insights are invaluable in guiding research priorities and improving patient care practices.
  2. Cultivating Collaboration: Attending ASCO allows us to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and other advocacy groups. These interactions help us stay informed about the latest advancements and ensure that patient needs are at the forefront of scientific discussions.
  3. Promoting Awareness and Education: By engaging with the oncology community, we can spread awareness about cervical cancer, highlight the importance of prevention and early detection, and share our educational resources. Our presence at ASCO reinforces the message that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when caught early.
  1. Influencing Policy and Research: Our participation at ASCO provides opportunities to advocate for policies that benefit cervical cancer patients and survivors. We can also contribute to shaping research agendas by emphasizing areas that require more attention, such as disparities in cancer care and the psychosocial impacts of the disease.

Team Cervivor Listed from Left to Right: Morgan Newman, MSW, Community Engagement Liaison; Tamika Felder, Founder & Chief Visionary; and Kimberly Williams, MHCM, Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer

Highlights from ASCO 2024
ASCO 2024 was a whirlwind of inspiring sessions, groundbreaking research presentations, and meaningful interactions. Here are some highlights from our experience:

– Networking Opportunities: We connected with oncologists, researchers, and fellow advocates, nurturing relationships that will strengthen our advocacy efforts. These connections are crucial for creating a supportive network dedicated to cervical cancer eradication.

– Media and Outreach: We participated in interviews, highlighting the importance of patient advocacy and the work we do. These media opportunities allowed us to reach a broader audience and amplify our message.

We also had the honor of having our Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder, speak on a crucial panel titled, “Bridging the Gap in Cancer Care for Adolescents and Young Adults” hosted by The Atlantic. This enlightening session shed light on the challenges faced by the nearly 1.5 million adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer each year. Addressing issues such as work, health insurance, school, fertility, and emotional distress, the panel explored the unique cancer biology of this age group and the lack of survival improvements compared to other age demographics. Tamika, alongside other survivors, oncologists, and advocates, shared her journey and insights, emphasizing the importance of tailored care and pioneering local programs that support the distinct needs of young cancer patients. Her participation underscored Team Cervivor’s commitment to advocating for comprehensive and compassionate cancer care for all age groups.

Attending ASCO 2024 was more than just an opportunity to learn and network; it was a chance to reaffirm our commitment to the mission to end cervical cancer. We left the conference inspired and energized, ready to continue our mission with renewed vigor. Our presence at ASCO underscores the vital role of patient advocates in the oncology community, and we are proud to be a voice for cervical cancer patients and survivors worldwide.

As we move forward, we will leverage the knowledge and connections gained at ASCO to enhance our educational programs, support initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cervical cancer and work towards a future free of this preventable disease. Stay tuned for more updates from Team Cervivor and join us in our journey to eradicate cervical cancer. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can achieve a world without cervical cancer.

The Vital Role of Clinical Trials

May marks a significant occasion in the medical community: National Clinical Trials Month and National Clinical Trials Day [May 20th]. It’s a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of clinical research to the advancement of healthcare. This month, as we acknowledge the progress made in various fields, let’s focus our attention on the critical role clinical trials play in ending cervical cancer—a disease that affects thousands of individuals worldwide. 

The Importance of Clinical Trials in Ending Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer remains a global health emergency, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Despite advancements in screening and prevention as well as through vaccines, many individuals still succumb to this preventable disease. Clinical trials serve as the cornerstone of progress in cervical cancer research. They provide a platform for testing new treatments, improving existing therapies, and enhancing our understanding of the disease’s biology.

In recent years, clinical trials have led to groundbreaking discoveries in cervical cancer treatment. From targeted therapies to immunotherapies, these trials have expanded treatment options, offering hope to patients who previously had limited choices. Moreover, clinical research has paved the way for personalized medicine approaches, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatments based on individual patient characteristics, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the various side effects.

The Role of Participation
Active participation in clinical trials is crucial for accelerating progress in cervical cancer research. Patients who enroll in trials not only gain access to cutting-edge treatments but also contribute to the collective knowledge that drives medical innovation. Each participant plays a vital role in advancing scientific understanding, ultimately benefiting future generations of patients.

Participating in a clinical trial can be a deeply personal decision, influenced by various factors such as medical history, treatment preferences, and access to care. However, it’s essential to recognize the potential impact of participation, both on an individual level and within the broader context of public health. By joining a trial, patients not only receive advanced care but also become partners in the quest to end cervical cancer once and for all.

Addressing Barriers to Participation
Despite the critical importance of clinical trials, several barriers exist that hinder participation. These may include lack of awareness, logistical challenges, concerns about safety, and disparities in access to healthcare. Overcoming these barriers requires efforts from healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, patient advocates, and the community at large.

Education and outreach efforts are essential for raising awareness about clinical trials and dispelling misconceptions. Providing clear information about the purpose, risks, and benefits of trials empowers patients to make informed decisions about their participation. Moreover, initiatives to address logistical barriers, such as transportation assistance, financial support, and flexible scheduling, can enhance access to trials for diverse populations.

As we observe National Clinical Trials Month and National Clinical Trials Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to advancing cervical cancer research through participation in clinical trials. Together, we can drive innovation, improve treatment options, and ultimately work towards the elimination of this devastating disease. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to our shared goal of a world free from cervical cancer. Let us stand united in the mission, embracing the hope that clinical trials offer for a brighter, healthier future.

Have you been on or are currently on a clinical trial? Are you willing to share your personal experience? We would love to hear from you! Email us today at [email protected].