Confronting Cervical Cancer Disparities in AANHPI Communities by Bridging Cultural Barriers

In this second blog post for AANHPI Heritage Month, we explore the health disparities affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cervical cancer survivors.

Previously, Cervivor community members Arlene Simpson (Filipina), Joslyn Chaiprasert-Paguio (Chinese-Thai), Anna Ogo (Japanese), and Anh Le (Vietnamese) shared their diverse experiences, revealing a shared truth: While stigma and cultural silence around cervical and other “below-the-belt” cancers are common, their impact varies across AANHPI communities.

Despite these differences, many face similar systemic barriers to prevention, screening, and timely care—barriers that continue to cost lives. Case in point:

  • According to the American Cancer Society, Pap test screening is significantly lower among Chinese (69%) and Asian Indian (74%) women compared to white women (84%). This gap in screening may contribute to later-stage diagnoses and worse outcomes. 
  • HPV vaccination rates also lag behind national averages. A 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report found that only 58% of Asian American adolescents had initiated the HPV vaccine series—lower than their Hispanic (73%) and White (61%) counterparts.
  • A 2024 ACS article also noted that while cervical cancer rates are higher in some parts of Asia, many AANHPI individuals are unaware of risks based on their country of origin. 

Experts and survivors highlight the following key challenges to reversing these trends as well as some promising progress: 

Language Barriers

Dr. Ha Ngan “Milkie” Vu

Asian Americans come from over 30 countries and speak more than 100 languages and dialects, explains Dr. Ha Ngan “Milkie” Vu, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. These linguistic and cultural differences often make accessing health information difficult.

As Arlene shares, “Medical terms don’t always translate clearly, and jargon makes it harder. Even basic words like ‘cervix’ don’t translate well in some cultures.” Joslyn, featured in Everyday Health, says, “In Thai, there’s no direct word for cervix—it’s described as a ‘plug’ that keeps the baby in. Without a proper term, how do you talk about your body?”

These communication challenges are often compounded by a lack of in-language medical materials. Dr. Jennifer Tsui, Associate Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, recalls translating for her Asian immigrant grandparents at medical visits—an experience common to many second-generation individuals. Through her current work on the National Cancer Institute-funded ACHIEVE Study, which examines barriers to cervical cancer treatment and survivorship care, she has found that many patients want materials in their native language to understand whether the vaccine has been tested in their communities and if it’s effective for different Asian American groups.

Dr. Jennifer Tsui

Bridging these language gaps often requires more than translation—it takes cultural nuance. Dr. Zhengchun Lu, a cancer pathologist and resident physician at Oregon Health & Science University, originally from Zhenjiang, China, actively works to meet patients where they are. She communicates with Chinese-speaking patients and adapts CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) materials into formats that resonate culturally. For other language needs, she collaborates with hospital interpreters. “Removing language barriers also removes fear—people feel empowered to get screened,” she says.

Dr. Zhengchun Lu

To support these efforts, organizations like the American Cancer Society offer multilingual resources through their “Cancer Information in Other Languages” initiative, which provides materials in 13 languages, including Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Making vital information more accessible is a crucial step toward equity in prevention and care.

Limited Awareness, Not Hesitancy

In the first post, Dr. Lu emphasized that many AANHPI patients simply lack awareness about HPV and the need for regular cervical cancer screenings. The same goes for the HPV vaccine.

Dr. Tsui’s research confirms this: “Many people hadn’t heard of the HPV vaccine or didn’t know it helps prevent multiple cancers.”

Adolescents often help bridge the gap. “Teens are more acculturated and read the materials—they’re the ones bringing this information home and influencing family decisions,” she says.

Trusted community messengers also matter. “In many Asian communities, people rely on their aunts, grandmothers, and community leaders,” says Dr. Tsui. “That’s why strong local partnerships are key.”

Navigating a Complicated Health System

Confusion about the U.S. healthcare system can delay screenings and treatment. While many AANHPI communities hold physicians in high regard and prefer care from well-known institutions, accessing these systems—or even getting a second opinion—can be complicated, explains Dr. Tsui.

For patients with abnormal Pap results, referrals to specialists often mean traveling to unfamiliar facilities without language support, creating additional barriers. Demanding work schedules further complicate making and keeping appointments.

To address this, Dr. Lu’s team partners with local groups to host screening events staffed by bilingual volunteers. “Bringing services directly to the community has built trust and boosted participation,” she says.

She also sees promise in HPV self-collection. “It’s not a home test, but it can be offered at outreach events under medical supervision. It’s more private, more flexible, and less intimidating—especially for those wary of pelvic exams.”

Dr. Lu works with Rabeka Ali, the research coordinator at OHSU Pathology, during an HPV testing event at a Chinese church in Portland, OR.

Lack of Gender Concordance

“In our Filipino culture, especially among older generations, there’s a belief that you don’t question the doctor—or that traditional remedies are better,” says Arlene. “But many women also feel uncomfortable discussing reproductive health with male doctors and may avoid care because of it.”

Dr. Tsui agrees. “Women are less likely to follow up if they don’t feel comfortable with their provider. In local Asian American communities like our Chinatown, having female doctors can make all the difference.”

Anti-Asian and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

Lingering fear from the pandemic and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric have also impacted care-seeking behaviors. A 2024 Axios/Harris poll found that 50% of Americans support mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, fueling anxiety in immigrant communities.

“There was definitely a delay in seeking care—not just because of COVID, but because of fear,” says Dr. Tsui. Many in the AANHPI community avoided medical visits due to rising anti-Asian sentiment and concerns about overusing medical resources—or fears that if they left the country, they might not be allowed to return.

This fear compounded the silence around health issues like cervical cancer, which only deepened stigma, Arlene adds. “It’s more important than ever to speak up, share our stories, and help Asian women feel safe and supported.”

Dr. Tsui’s team regularly works in Asian American communities around USC.

Dr. Tsui sees hope in community-driven efforts: “It’s not all doom and gloom. In cities like San Francisco, LA, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, AANHPI organizations are stepping up. Local clinics and advocates are helping people understand their rights and access life-saving care—just as they did during the pandemic.”

Cultural Beliefs and Cancer Fatalism

Dr. Tingting Zhang

In a 2024 American Cancer Society article, Dr. Tingting Zhang, a thyroid cancer survivor, patient advocate, and CEO of ONEiHEALTH, noted: “Some AANHPI individuals may avoid discussing cancer risk, viewing it as a bad omen or personal failure. But cancer is not retribution—it’s biology. And early detection saves lives.”

Cancer fatalism is a well-documented barrier. As Dr. Vu adds, “In my research, Filipino and Vietnamese respondents reported especially high levels of fatalistic beliefs. That mindset can lead to inaction—people believe they can’t change their outcomes, so they don’t engage in prevention. That’s why education is key: the HPV vaccine prevents cancer. We need to make that message loud and clear.”

Let’s Keep Breaking the Silence

At Cervivor, Inc. we believe that every story matters—and every voice can spark change. If you are an AANHPI cervical cancer survivor, caregiver, or advocate, we invite you to join our community. Better yet, share your unique Cervivor Story. (Submit your story here.) Together, we can dismantle stigma, increase awareness, and save lives.

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.