Morgan Newman - Cervivor

June 12, 2025June 12, 2025

Navigating the Unseen Battle of Mental Health in Cervical Cancer

By Morgan Newman, MSW, Community Engagement Liaison

As the Community Engagement Liaison for Cervivor, Inc., I’ve had the privilege of supporting many individuals through their cervical cancer journeys. While treatment and physical recovery often take center stage, it’s crucial to recognize the profound mental, emotional, and psychological impact of cervical cancer, which can be overwhelming, isolating, and frightening.

At Cervivor—founded 20 years ago to support those affected by the disease—we don’t shy away from facing these challenges head-on. Many in our community say that the been-there-done-that understanding and solidarity they find here play a vital role in their healing.

Janice Le-Nguyen, a Cervivor celebrating four years of being NED (no evidence of disease) after Stage 1A2 cervical cancer, shares: “I am appreciative of finding the Cervivor community and finding pathways to not feel ashamed and that I can freely discuss HPV, the cervix, and all the ‘fun’ I went through.”

I felt the same way after surviving Stage III at 24. Getting involved with Cervivor and advocating for fellow survivors helped me reclaim my voice and purpose.

But the cervical cancer journey is complex. Emotional highs and lows are part of the experience. Here are some of the most frequent mental health concerns our community members face—and why it’s so important we talk about them openly, without judgment or fear.

Survivor’s Guilt

Feeling grateful to be alive while struggling with the aftermath of treatment can bring on guilt and self-doubt, especially when others faced tougher outcomes or didn’t survive. On average, about 10 women from our immediate Cervivor community die each year—and it never gets easier to say goodbye.

*Cervivor’s “In Memoriam” graphic is a solemn tribute to many of the lives lost since the organization’s start.*

These losses weigh heavily, but they keep us grounded in our mission to eradicate the disease. Rather than staying stuck in cycles of guilt, many of us find healing through action.

That’s been true for Janice. “Through Cervivor, I realized that by sharing my story, I could inspire others to get screened, ask questions, and take charge of their health,” says the quiet but fierce advocate, who started local community outreach with Cervivor a few years back.

We encourage all survivors to share their Cervivor Stories when they feel ready—each one adds powerful momentum to our mission and gives hope to others. If you’d like to share your experience, consider filling out this questionnaire and submitting a photo.

Scanxiety and Fear of Recurrence

Scanxiety—a term widely used in the cancer community—describes the intense anxiety and fear that can build up around follow-up scans and tests.

As a metastatic/recurrent survivor, I know this feeling all too well. Nine years ago, I was given just a 7–9% chance of ever being cancer-free—and yet, here I am. Still, every new ache, pain, or side effect can feel like a potential sign of recurrence.

A supportive community makes a difference. In our Cervivor Facebook group, for example, many members openly share their experiences with scanxiety and offer practical ways they’ve learned to cope. Just knowing you’re not the only one feeling this way can bring relief. And as always, consult your health provider if symptoms arise.

Body-Related and Intimacy Issues

Changes to the body can deeply affect self-esteem and relationships. Radiation side effects, like needing a cane or wheelchair, can be life-altering. Invisible disabilities like lymphedema, ostomies, and hearing loss require constant management.

Survivors in our community, including Lead Cervivor Ambassador Carol Lacey and others like Lorie Wallace, Sara Johney, Gabrielle McCord, Mary Clarkson-Grubb, Sally Kwenda, Maria Franklin, Julie Groob, Karla Chavez, and Talitha Stempin, navigate these challenges with strength and grace. Tools like lymphatic compression gear, ostomy bags, and hearing aids become part of daily life and symbols of resilience.

These survivors’ courageous approach to life after cancer, despite visible and invisible disabilities, shows the strength and resilience within our community. Clockwise from top left: Carol, Lorie, Gabrielle, Karla, Mary, Talitha, Julie, Sara, Maria, and Sally.

Body changes can also affect physical and emotional intimacy. Survivors have bravely opened up about their experiences on the Cervivor Blog, and a recent CervivorTV video, hosted by Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder and featuring Dr. Christina Wilson, a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner, dives into navigating body image and sexual health. It’s a must-watch.

Depression

The trauma of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can trigger depression—a reality that affects up to 25% of cancer patients, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Yet, only a fraction receive the mental health support they need. Left unaddressed, depression can slow recovery, weaken the immune system, and negatively impact survival.

Cervivor community member Kyana Johnson, diagnosed with Stage IIIB cervical cancer at 26, has shared her mental health struggles on the blog. She found comfort in self-care practices like journaling, meditation, coloring, and listening to music. Seeing a therapist at least twice a week was especially transformative.

“It was some of the best conversations I’ve ever had,” recalled Kyana, now seven years in remission. “My therapist helped me make sense of a lot of my emotions.”

And she offers this encouragement to others: “Remember that you are worth it. You shouldn’t be ashamed to seek mental health advice when your anxiety or stress feels too heavy.”

I’m also inspired by survivors like Danielle Glick and Jessica Martin, who have become psychotherapists since their cervical cancer experience. Their journeys show how healing mental and emotional health can lead to purpose, helping others find strength during the most difficult times.

You Are Never Alone

Because cervical cancer’s link to HPV can carry stigma, many feel isolated. But within Cervivor, we work to break that silence. We notice when someone goes quiet, we reach out, and we hold space for each other—without pressure to always “be okay.”

Ultimately, connection is essential to mental health recovery. Healing requires both safety and vulnerability. By naming and normalizing our struggles, we build resilience—and a supportive community that truly sees us. As Kyana put it, joining support groups like Cervivor helped her mental well-being because “they got it.”

**Cervivor Ambassador Gwendolyn Jackson and me at a 2024 Communities of Color event.**

Our mantra is simple: You are never alone. Whether through private groups, monthly support meetups, or personal check-ins, there is always a place for you here.

Ready to build meaningful relationships and support others in their cancer journeys? Join our monthly Creating Connections virtual meetup, designed for cancer patients, survivors, and thrivers. This supportive community is a safe space to share experiences, find resources, and connect with others who understand. Register for our next virtual meetup today.

About Morgan Newman, MSW

A resilient young adult (AYA) cervical cancer survivor, social worker, and dedicated patient advocate, Morgan has transformed her experience into a powerful force for change. After overcoming metastatic and recurrent cervical cancer at 24, she became a Cervivor Ambassador in 2017 and has since led global advocacy efforts. Her leadership roles include Community Engagement Liaison at Cervivor, board member for Above and Beyond Cancer and the Iowa Cancer Consortium, and Iowa State Lead Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). She also serves on the Iowa Immunizes Coalition and as a patient advocate for the NIH’s Enduring Guidelines and Extended Genotyping Panels, and the NCI’s Patient Advocacy Steering Committee and Cervical Task Force. Morgan’s work has earned her awards and recognition, solidifying her as a leading voice in the fight against cancer.

May 8, 2025May 8, 2025

Preventing HPV-Related Cancers: Cervivor’s Urgent Call for Action This Women’s Health Month

At Cervivor, Inc., every month is Women’s Health Month. But this May, we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight a critical public health issue that disproportionately impacts women: HPV-related cancers.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is an extremely common virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 85% of people will be exposed to the virus at some point in their lives. While many HPV strains are essentially harmless, high-risk strains are responsible for more than 37,000 new cancer cases each year in the U.S., including about 21,800 cases in women and 16,000 in men.

These cancers include vaginal, vulvar, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, and cervical cancer—what Cervivor is dedicated to eliminating. Cervical cancer remains the most common HPV-related cancer in women, with more than 11,000 new cases diagnosed annually.

The good news? Nearly all HPV-related cancers are preventable with tools like vaccination, regular checkups, and early treatment. Just last month, National Cancer Institute researchers reported “phenomenal” new data that a single dose of the HPV vaccine is just as effective as the two doses currently recommended for people aged 9 to 25!

*This recent CDC infographic illustrates how effective the HPV vaccine can be in preventing over 90% of related cancers including cervical cancer.*

“Knowledge is power—but it’s only the start,” says Tamika Felder, Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary. “Preventable cancers like cervical cancer are on the rise because of complacency, stigma, and misinformation. Up-to-date cervical screenings have dropped over the past two decades, and HPV vaccine uptake was ‘flat’ from 2021 to 2023,” she says, citing an alarming recent report from the American Cancer Society. “The time to prevent suffering—and save lives from cervical and other HPV-related cancers—is now.”

The National HPV Conference: A Gathering of the Minds

Fortunately, Tamika and Cervivor aren’t the only ones prioritizing women’s health and tackling the ongoing challenges of HPV-related diseases. Over 400 attendees gathered with the same mission at the recent National HPV Conference in Indianapolis from April 15 to 17, 2025. Bringing together leading experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and survivors, the conference aimed to facilitate networking, collaboration, and resource sharing like “never done before” in the U.S.

*The National HPV Conference unites leaders toward their shared mission.*

Representing Cervivor, Tamika took part in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rachel Katzenellenbogen and included other HPV cancer and disease survivors, including recurrent respiratory papillomatosis survivor, Kim McClellan, anal cancer survivor Lillian Kreppel and tonsil cancer survivor Jason Mendelsohn, that underscored the human impact of HPV-related cancers. Later, she and Community Engagement Liaison, Morgan Newman, MSW—a metastatic and recurrent cervical cancer survivor—co-presented with leading global expert and author Dr. Linda Eckert in a session titled “Beyond the Data,” highlighting the power of personal narratives in advocacy.

*Cervivor’s founder, Tamika, shared her experience and expertise alongside other HPV cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of the patient voice.*

A few other program highlights from the National HPV Conference:

Keynote Addresses: Dr. Susan Vadaparampil, Associate Center Director of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at Moffitt Cancer Center, delivered a keynote about the importance of advocacy and gave a special shoutout to the Cervivor community. Dr. Michelle Fiscus, Chief Medical Officer for the Association of Immunization Managers and Co-Chair of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, also gave a dynamic presentation on the current state of vaccination.
Policy and Advocacy Discussions: Dr. Heather Brandt, Director of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, alongside Martha Nolan, Senior Policy Advisor at HealthyWomen, highlighted the critical role of legislative action and community engagement in HPV prevention efforts.
Storytelling Session: Sally Perkins, a professional storyteller and cancer survivor, demonstrated the transformative power of storytelling in advocacy.

What’s Next: Challenges and Opportunities

“HPV-related cancers are still a greater threat in the developing world, but it’s alarming that preventable cancers are increasing here in the U.S.—especially as funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other public and private sources shrinks,” shares Morgan.

Cervivor Morgan Newman at National HPV Conference — *Cervivor’s Community Engagement Liaison Morgan explained how personal narratives can change minds.*

Fresh from the National HPV Conference, Morgan outlines several pressing challenges facing the HPV prevention movement:

Vaccine Hesitancy: Despite strong scientific evidence that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective—and promising news that a single dose may be enough in the future—misinformation and mistrust persist. Disinformation campaigns and cultural stigmas around vaccines continue to suppress vaccination rates, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Policy and Funding: Sustained progress in HPV prevention relies heavily on legislative support and adequate funding. Cuts to public health budgets and shifting policy priorities threaten access to the HPV vaccine, routine screenings, and treatment services—especially in underserved areas.

Healthcare Access: Longstanding disparities in healthcare access, insurance coverage, and provider availability mean that too many people—especially in rural, low-income, and marginalized communities—still face barriers to prevention and early detection. Expanding equitable access to care remains a critical need.

Cervivor’s Response: Advocacy in Action

These challenges fuel our ongoing commitment to protect every person with a cervix from HPV-related cancers. Here’s how Cervivor is responding:

Cervivor School 2024 Graduates and Team Cervivor — Cervivor’s commitment to HPV prevention advocacy includes organizing the annual Cervivor School, where patients and survivors are equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate for better women’s health care. Shown here is the graduating class of the 2024 school.

Enhanced Education Campaigns: Cervivor is tackling vaccine hesitancy through culturally relevant messaging and resources via initiatives such as the Cervical Cancer Summit and Cervivor School, which aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for HPV prevention within their communities.
Empowering Survivors: Through our growing collection of Cervivor Stories, we amplify the lived experiences of patients and survivors to raise awareness, break stigma, and drive meaningful change.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Members of Cervivor’s team and community proudly contribute to national coalitions including the National HPV Roundtable, National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer, HealthyWomen HPV Coalition, HPV Cancers Alliance, and the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, helping shape policies that support prevention, access, and care.
Addressing Disparities: Through grassroots, community-led conversations like DEI MeetUps, Black Cervix Chat, Cervivor Español, and international groups like Cervivor Africa and Cervivor Caribbean, we’re ensuring underrepresented voices are heard. (Visit our Events to see if there is a meetup or group that you’d like to join.) We also serve on advisory boards and research committees, championing patient advocacy in clinical trials, screening, and vaccination efforts.

This Women’s Health Month, we urge our Cervivor community and its allies to recommit to action. Preventable HPV-related cancers shouldn’t still be claiming lives. While cancer doesn’t discriminate, the systems surrounding it often do. It’s time to break down the barriers that stand in the way of prevention, early detection, and treatment.

If you believe in Cervivor’s mission to end cervical cancer and ensure that no one has to face it alone, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today. Your support helps us continue our lifesaving work.