Scanxiety

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.

Here in Indiana, October marks a turning point. The green of summer gives way to a stunning tapestry of gold, yellow, and orange. The mornings and evenings greet us with a chill in the air, hinting at the winter to come. For many, it’s simply a season of transition. But for me, October carries much deeper significance.

This month is an anniversary—one that marks battles I never expected to fight. It was in October, 10 years ago, that I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Then, just two years later, in the same month, I heard those dreaded words again: breast cancer. So, for me, October is a time of scanxiety—anxiety over upcoming tests, mixed with moments of reflection that can sometimes feel like reliving trauma. But it’s also a time of gratitude, because I’m still here, standing strong.

October is also the month when pink ribbons seem to bloom everywhere, spreading messages of hope for breast cancer warriors, survivors, and thrivers. And while I appreciate the awareness, I’m tired—tired of cancer’s relentless presence in my life. It wasn’t just my diagnosis. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then my aunt. Then me. My cousin. And now, just recently, my sister. It’s as if cancer has drawn a line through generations of my family, and the next in line could be my daughter.

My beautiful family including my sister and her family plus our parents.

The only silver lining? We’re catching it earlier. My mother and aunt were diagnosed with stage 3, while my cousin, sister, and I were caught at stage 0 or stage 1. Early detection saves lives, but that doesn’t lessen the emotional toll.

Here’s the reality: 1 in 8 women reading this will face breast cancer in their lifetime. Think about that. According to Komen.org, the two most common risk factors are simply being born female and getting older. It’s staggering, and it’s unacceptable. Breast cancer and cervical cancer share more in common than we often acknowledge, and both must be stopped.

When I got my breast cancer diagnosis, I was in shock. I had just finished treatment for stage 3B cervical cancer. I couldn’t comprehend how cancer had returned, but there it was—another battle, another round of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. And now, watching my sister go through it? I refuse to let my daughter face the same fate without a fight.

So yes, I’m wearing my pink this October. I’m mad as hell, and I’m making sure legislators, researchers, and anyone who will listen hears my voice. Come January, I’ll be wearing teal and white, advocating just as fiercely for cervical cancer awareness.

Mom hugging her sister, Beverly who lost her 10 year journey with breast cancer in 2018.

We cannot stop talking about breast and cervical cancer. We must continue fighting for better treatments, vaccines, healthcare equality, and cures. We are the warriors, the survivors, and the thrivers. And in the words of Helen Reddy: “I am woman, hear me roar!”

Laura Lemons (she/her/hers) is a 2019 alumni of Cervivor School and a Cervivor Ambassador. She is a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for the state of Indiana and was an advocate for the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) which passed in 2023. Her journey as an advocate for equitable healthcare began after witnessing disparities while receiving treatments for cervical and breast cancer. Laura is particularly passionate about addressing the stigma surrounding gynecological cancers. A proud central Indiana native, Laura lives with her husband, Jim, and their dogs, Bella and Sylvie. She is also a mother to two adult daughters, Allison and Melissa.

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October: A Time of Reflection, Resilience, and Roaring Against Cancer