patient advocacy

Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention

We are Cervivor, a community where empowerment through knowledge is our driving force. We believe that education is the key to preventing cervical cancer, and our mission is to support and empower individuals affected by cervical cancer and eliminate the feeling of being ashamed of an HPV diagnosis.

What is HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, certain high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer. Knowledge about HPV is crucial for prevention, early detection, and effective management. Cervivor is dedicated to providing comprehensive information about HPV to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.

How Can We Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination, regular screenings (i.e. Pap tests and HPV tests), and early treatment of precancerous lesions. Cervivor encourages individuals to take charge of their health by understanding the importance of preventive measures. Through our community, we provide a platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and cultivating a supportive environment for those navigating the journey of cervical cancer.

Empowerment begins with knowledge. Cervivor equips individuals with the information needed to make informed decisions about their health. We believe that by understanding the risks associated with HPV and cervical cancer, individuals can take proactive steps toward prevention, leading to better outcomes and improved overall well-being.

Every year, Cervivor recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to raising awareness about cervical cancer, supporting those affected by cervical cancer, and advocating for HPV vaccination and routine screenings. The 2024 Cervivor Champions are shining examples of resilience, courage, and commitment to making a difference. Let’s take a moment to celebrate and honor these extraordinary individuals:

  • Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, CEO Susan G. Komen & now The Promise Fund
  • Gilma Pereda, Cervical Cancer Survivor
  • Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.O.G., Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at University of South Alabama

Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker
Gilma Pereda
Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce & Tamika Felder, Founder, Cervivor, Inc.

  • Jonny Imerman, Co-Founder Imerman Angels & ClozTalk
  • Karen North, Breast and Cervical Cancer Survivor, Cervivor LGBTQIA+ Lead
  • Linda Eckert, MD, Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and an Internationally Recognized Expert in Immunizations and Cervical Cancer Prevention
Jonny Imerman
Tamika Felder, Dr. Linda Eckert, & Carol Lacey
Karen North

  • Lorie Wallace, Cervical Cancer Survivor
  • Michelle Whitlock, Cervical Cancer Survivor & Award-Winning Author

Lorie Wallace
Michelle Whitlock

Empowerment through knowledge is the cornerstone of Cervivor’s mission. By understanding HPV and cervical cancer prevention, individuals can take control of their health and contribute to the broader effort to eliminate cervical cancer. As we celebrate the 2024 Cervivor Champions, we are inspired by their passion and dedication, reinforcing our belief that together, we can create a world where cervical cancer is a thing of the past. Join us in our mission to educate, support, and empower – because knowledge is the key to a healthier future.

PRESS RELEASE: Governors and Mayors Across the U.S. Declare January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and encourage women to schedule their screenings

MARYLAND, January 14, 2024 – In states and cities across the U.S., Governors and Mayors have declared January as “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.” Proclamations have been issued at the request of patient advocacy group Cervivor and have been signed to raise awareness a disease that claims the lives of over 4,000 U.S. women a year.

“The U.S. Cancer Statistics Work Group states that in 2020, 11,542 new cervical cancer cases were diagnosed, and 4,272 lives were lost from it,” said Tamika Felder, Founder and Chief Visionary of Cervivor. “Simply put, death from cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination, screening, and treatment. We need to raise awareness across the nation to prevent it from taking more lives.”

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the five-year survival rate of individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer is 67.2% due to improved treatment, early diagnosis, and vaccinations. However, cervical cancer incidence rates and death rates are still high among certain populations in the U.S., according to NIH, largely due to limited access to cervical cancer screening and vaccinations. In 2015-2019, African-American women were more likely to die of cervical cancer than any other group, followed by American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic, white, and then Asian/Pacific Islander.

Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective against types of HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers, and the results from a simple Pap test and HPV co-test can be used to help prevent cervical cancer or detect cervical cancer in its earliest and most curable stages.

Patient advocacy organizations like Cervivor, who inspire and empower those affected by cervical cancer by educating and motivating them to use their voices for creating awareness to end stigma, are on a mission to ensure the disease is eradicated.

The following cities and states, by way of Cervivor, have issued these proclamations:

“We thank the Governors and Mayors for signing these proclamations and for their commitment to raising awareness of this disease,” says Felder. “Cervivor urges women to use this month to schedule their necessary health screenings to stay cancer free.” Those interested in learning more about Cervivor are encouraged to visit www.cervivor.org.

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About Cervivor: Cervivor is a global community of patient advocates who inspire and empower those affected by cervical cancer by educating and motivating them to use their voices for creating awareness to end stigma, influence decision and change, and end cervical cancer. Learn more at www.cervivor.org or visit us on Instagram, Facebook or X.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kate Weissman, Cervivor Ambassador Phone: 610-324-3239 Email: [email protected]