HPV

A Lifetime of Cancer Prevention Gains – and Still Counting

In the 1970s, the White House made a concerted effort to research, educate and make gains around the prevention of cancer. President Nixon signed The National Cancer Act in 1971. State health departments began to receive grants to research ovarian cancer screenings in 1974. By 1979, the surgeon general published diet guidelines that aided in cancer prevention.

This was happening in my lifetime – well, some of it. I’m younger than I look (well, I’d like to think so), but I want to point out that while the study of cancer as an epidemic began in the 18th century, it has only been about 50 years that we’ve committed time, research, funds and our stories to help find a cure.

And there’s still work to do!

For Cervivor, cancer prevention is a daily endeavor. We host discussions, connect with cervical cancer patients and their families, and advocate for health policies. But in February, National Cancer Prevention Month, we go full force with our partners to shine a light on the need for more attention, research, and cures for the numerous cancer categories that continue to take away beautiful lives from our families, circles of friends, and networks.

Need some ideas on how to observe the month with Cervivor? We’ve got ideas but would love to hear yours too. Your voice matters in this community.

Tamika Felder and fellow “Cervivors”.

I’m passionate about using my voice to prevent not only cervical cancer but all types. Cancer in too many forms has touched my life, my parents’, immediate family, distant family, and people in my community. Cancer is a horrific thing, and I want to be a part of the movement. While we can’t prevent all cancers, cervical cancer has a first-line to prevention. I hope in the future we have more preventive ways to save people from all cancers, and I’m ecstatic to know that the White House continues to support and rally to “end cancer as we know it.” 

Earlier this month on February 2, 2022, President Biden committed to reducing the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years. YES! He published a statement of support vowing to improve the experience of people and their families living with and surviving cancer and eradicate the disease. This commitment further propels me to do this work with our members and our partners.

In the words of President Biden this month, “It’s bold.  It’s ambitious.  But it’s completely doable.”

Interested in learning more?

Tamika Felder is a 20-year cervical cancer survivor, an award-winning television producer, author, blogger, podcaster, mentor, motivational speaker, and nonprofit founder. By telling her story, Tamika inspired other women to start speaking about HPV and cervical cancer, which led to a network of survivors supporting each other and educating each other. From this network, Cervivor was born.

In Memoriam

We have to talk about the other side of cervical cancer. The side of loss.

These are just some from our community and beyond who have died from cervical cancer. Their stories not only matter, they need to be perpetually in motion. Everything we do as an organization includes their footprint — their hope for a different future.

We met some of them from attending Cervivor Schools together, and others we got to know in virtual settings like Creating Connections and through our Facebook group I’m A Cervivor!. Some people come into our community seeking support from others who truly understand the burden of cervical cancer and others decide that patient advocacy is their calling.

It is truly our stories that connect us. These stories that we read and reread, often finding an intersection with so many of them. These stories continue to fuel us, inspire us and give us our wings, as Holly Lawson would often say.

Many of these women never hesitated in offering support to others. Each brought their own strength, humor and honesty to so many inside and outside of Cervivor. Like Grace, who found Cervivor in 2020 and was a huge presence within our virtual community. Many were also dedicated advocates who were shame resilient and knew they wanted to transform the narrative of cervical cancer.

Nothing about having or living with cervical cancer is easy and dying from it brings a great sadness that ripples through our community, leaving us devastated yet profoundly grateful for the experiences we shared. Together we find comfort and the strength to move forward with purpose.

The fact that our sisters, mothers, daughters, partners and friends continue to die from cervical cancer means our work and support is crucial. We will always remember those who sought connection, an understanding of their disease or the willingness to shine a light on cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2018, there were approximately 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed globally and about 311,000 died from the disease. Cervivor wants to change these statistics.

By honoring these and so many other women, we make a promise to carry on their legacies in the work we do every day. Together. We will not stop.

Jeanette Acosta… We will not stop.

Grace Chantiam Bracci… We will not stop.

Laura Brennan… We will not stop.

Curtissa Clay… We will not stop.

Amanda Filkins… We will not stop.

Kristen Forbes… We will not stop.

Debbie Jane Forsyth… We will not stop.

Rebekah Elizabeth Fowler Griffin… We will not stop.

Dawn Fraga-Mejia… We will not stop.

Lisa Riebersal Moore… We will not stop.

Alissa Gores… We will not stop.

Elizabeth (Lizzi) Marie Haas… We will not stop.

Princess Ruth Joanna Howard… We will not stop.

Dr. Tessa Maria Klein… We will not stop.

Holly Latrelle Lawson… We will not stop.

Christine Lerch… We will not stop.

Heather Lyn Martin… We will not stop.

Angela Mckibben… We will not stop.

Catherine “Cat” Odderstol… We will not stop.

Iona Pierre… We will not stop.

Kelly Pozzoli… We will not stop.

Brittaini Qadri… We will not stop.

Nanette Quitanilla… We will not stop.

Teolita Rickenbacker… We will not stop.

Jillian Scalfani… We will not stop.

Erica Frazier Stum… We will not stop.

Brittany Wagner… We will not stop.

Mary Lucille Fuller Walker… We will not stop.

Becky Wallace… We will not stop.

Carneese J. Williams-Ackles… We will not stop.

If you would like to honor a loved one who has passed from cervical cancer, please fill out this form.