Pap test

The Evolution of Cervical Cancer Prevention

Historically, Pap tests have been pivotal in identifying precancerous lesions and enabling early intervention. However, for many years the cause of cervical cancer was unknown. Cervical cancer was often treated differently than other cancers because of the lack of evidence to show the link of what caused it. Scientists shared theories that focused on the virus and a woman’s sexual activity which created a stigma that would continue for years. As medical knowledge advances, so does our understanding of the human papillomavirus (HPV), screening, and vaccination for cervical cancer prevention. Cervivor, Inc. believes in a comprehensive approach that involves embracing new technologies and strategies to enhance early detection and prevention.

Education: A Key Pillar
The organization recognizes the power of knowledge and personal stories in cervical cancer prevention. Education empowers those with a cervix to make informed decisions about their health and to pass that knowledge onto others to do the same. The organization participates in widespread awareness campaigns that not only emphasize the importance of regular screenings but also educate the general public about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), its link to cervical cancer, and the available preventive measures. Would you like to help spread awareness? Check out our social media kit here!

HPV Vaccination: A Game-Changer
Another groundbreaking advancement in cervical cancer prevention is the development of HPV vaccines. Cervivor, Inc. stands firmly behind the importance of screening and vaccination as a primary prevention strategy. By vaccinating young individuals against HPV, we can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. One way we can accomplish this goal is to hold and participate in widespread vaccination campaigns, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all. For more impactful vaccination resources, visit our partners at the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable.

Emotional Support: Nurturing the Whole Person
Cervivor, Inc. understands that cervical cancer prevention goes beyond physical health. We have to treat our whole health and emotional support is a critical component of healing. By addressing the emotional aspects of a cervical cancer diagnosis, Cervivor, Inc. aims to empower patients and survivors alike. The organization provides a safe space for individuals to share their stories and personal experiences that cultivate community and a commitment to the organization’s mission of ending cervical cancer.

Advocacy: Comprehensive Healthcare Policies
Cervivor, Inc. advocates for comprehensive healthcare policies. This includes policies that support widespread HPV vaccination, improve access to screening services, and prioritize emotional well-being in cancer care. The organization actively engages with policymakers to shape a healthcare landscape that prioritizes cervical cancer prevention on multiple fronts.

Founder & Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder moderating the 2024 Cervical Cancer Forum at the White House, Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative

Collaboration: Become Partners in Purpose
Cervivor, Inc. recognizes the value of collaboration in achieving its mission. By partnering with healthcare professionals, researchers, and other advocacy groups, the organization strives to create a unified front against cervical cancer. As lived experience leaders, Cervivor community members serve on guideline development panels, the latest research studies, as advisory board members, and so much more. Together, these collaborative efforts can drive innovation, improve preventive strategies, and provide comprehensive support to those impacted by cervical cancer.

As we move forward in our mission to end cervical cancer, Cervivor, Inc. stands at the forefront, championing the many avenues of cervical cancer prevention. The evolution of cancer prevention tools is exciting and emphasizes the importance of education, vaccination, emotional support, and comprehensive healthcare policies. By addressing cervical cancer from multiple angles, we can create a future where the incidence of this devastating disease is drastically reduced, and the lives of those who have a cervix are safeguarded through a comprehensive and compassionate approach to cervical cancer prevention.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Did you know that Hispanic/Latina women have the highest incidence rate of cervical cancer in the U.S.? They undergo significantly fewer Pap tests than non-Hispanic white and black women and are less likely than women of other races/ethnicities to return for recommended follow-up after an abnormal Pap test.

These statistics from the American Cancer Society and Centers from Disease Control (CDC) are instructive to us at Cervivor to guide some of our educational efforts.

National Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 to correspond with the independence of many countries in Central America) honors Hispanic history, culture and contributions. Communities across the country mark the month with festivals and educational activities.

We want to halt cervical cancer in its tracks, in America and around the world. To do that most effectively, we need to be aware of the disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality among populations of women. 

For example, in the U.S., black women (followed by Hispanic women) have the highest death rate from cervical cancer. Mortality (death) rates of cervical cancer among Hispanic women are 50 percent higher than those of non-Hispanic women, and incidence rates among Hispanics are twice the rates of non-Hispanic women. Different populations bear different burdens of this disease, for different reasons.

Data from the American Cancer Society show that Hispanic women are less likely to get regular Pap tests. Hispanic and Latino Americans amount to an estimated 17.8% of the total U.S. population, making up the largest ethnic minority. This makes it a focus for our educational messages about cervical cancer prevention with Pap testing, HPV testing and HPV vaccination. This makes it a focus for our advocacy, education and personal Cervivor stories. 

What can we do as Cervivors?

  1. Familiarize yourself with Spanish-language educational resources and share them as part of your education and advocacy work. There is a downloadable Spanish-language “foto-novela” from the American Sexual Health Association, for example, fact sheets from the National Cancer Institute and cervical cancer screening patient information sheets from the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (These and many more Spanish language resources are available here.)
  2. Join Cervivor Español: Private Facebook Group For Latina Cervical Cancer Patients & Survivors.
  3. Support local and national cancer control and prevention programs and policies aimed at decreasing disparities in cervical cancer mortality. For example: health reform efforts to reduce discriminatory practices against cancer patients and survivors; policies to include no-cost cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccination as a mandated part of insurance coverage, and initiatives to expand HPV vaccination. 
  4. Support the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): The CDC’s NBCCEDP provides uninsured and underinsured women access to no-cost screening and diagnostic services, as well as a pathway to cancer treatment. Support federal and state funding for this program. Advocate for more funding to expand the reach of this lifesaving program. 
  5. Share your story. We’d love to have more representation from Latina Cervivors on our site. Submit your story here and come to one of our Cervivor Schools to learn more about bringing education and advocacy to your community. 
  6. Share Cervivor content on your social media platforms. You never know who might need this information.

We are all bonded by this disease. We are all motivated to ensure that no one else has to go through what we’ve gone through. Let’s be aware of the racial disparities in cervical cancer, address them head on, and put our support, stories and voices behind programs that can change cervical cancer statistics and save lives. 

Let’s celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the power and strength of the Latino community and to doing what we can to expand education about cervical cancer screening and prevention.