What Happens After Survival? The Hidden Toll of Infertility After Cervical Cancer

According to a National Health Statistics Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 13.4% of women of reproductive age (15-49) in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. For cervical cancer patients and survivors, the risk of infertility is significantly higher due to treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Studies suggest that approximately 80% of cervical cancer patients and survivors are interested in parenthood, and up to 38% of them may experience infertility or difficulty conceiving after treatment.

That’s why, during Infertility Awareness Week (April 20 to 26), Cervivor is amplifying this critical conversation—talking openly about the often overlooked emotional and physical toll of infertility after cervical cancer.

The Silent Struggle of Infertility After Cervical Cancer

Infertility after cervical cancer is a harsh reality many survivors face, often in silence. The loss of fertility can be a profound grief that lingers long after treatment has ended, affecting relationships, sense of identity, and future plans in unimaginable ways. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be overwhelming, especially for those who’ve already endured the trauma of a cancer diagnosis. Here, two members of the Cervivor community open up about the different ways infertility after cervical cancer has shaped their lives.

Heidi’s Story

Heidi Burgard’s journey with cervical cancer began when she was 29. In a long-term relationship and hoping to start a family, her diagnosis upended her plans and forced her to confront a double loss: her fertility and, eventually, her relationship.

Heidi Burgard

“Losing the ability to have children and experiencing the loss of relationships along the way was incredibly difficult,” says Heidi, who is from Northern Colorado. While fertility preservation was discussed at the time of her diagnosis, she chose to prioritize her health and begin treatment immediately. “I still reflect on that decision,” she shares. “And after experiencing three recurrences, I believe—though it was incredibly difficult—it was the right one for me.”

The emotional toll extended beyond her health. After her first recurrence, Heidi’s partner ended their relationship, telling her it was “too much” to handle. “It was heartbreaking and eye-opening—one of those moments that shows you not everyone is built to stand beside you when life gets hard. That chapter closed, but it helped shape who I am today,” says Heidi, who has worked in banking for the last 17 years.

Today, Heidi is passionate about helping others feel seen and heard. She finds strength in storytelling, advocacy, and shared experiences. “Survivorship is about both healing and rediscovery,” she says, crediting the Cervivor community for helping her recovery. “I’m grateful to be part of a community that embraces the full complexity of that journey.”

Cindy’s Story

At 35, Cindy Trice received a life-altering diagnosis: Stage II cervical cancer. This was in 2004, and she had just graduated from veterinary school and was three months into an internship in Tampa, Florida. While survival became her focus, the loss of fertility was a lasting consequence.

Cindy Trice

“I’m not even sure I wanted children… but over the years, the loss of the ability to have children has haunted me,” she shares. Her candid reflection captures the complex and often conflicting emotions that many cancer survivors face—grief not only for what was lost, but also for what might have been.

Now a 25-year survivor, Cindy has transformed adversity into advocacy. Her experience inspired her to co-found KickIt Pajamas, a company focused on creating stylish, dignified hospital and recovery wear for women—the kind she and other Cervivors longed for during treatment. What began as a personal need has evolved into a mission to uplift and support others facing similar challenges.

Through KickIt Pajamas and her ongoing involvement with Cervivor, Cindy helps others find strength in their own stories. Her journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the healing power of shared experience.

How Cervivor Can Help

At Cervivor, we understand that survivorship is more than just making it through treatment. It’s about navigating the emotional aftermath, redefining your future, and finding hope again, like both Heidi and Cindy shared. Our community offers a safe space to process grief, share stories, and connect with others who truly understand.

Additionally, financial assistance is available for those pursuing parenthood, helping to ease the burdens of this often unpredictable journey. Read on about a special gift fund and keep reading for our latest list of trusted fertility resources and partners. 

The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund: A Lifeline for Survivors

During an online seminar Cervivor hosted in April 2020, Cervivor Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder met Ginny Marable, a fellow cervical cancer survivor and 36-year-old human resources director. As Tamika spoke about having to “bury” her hope of having children, Ginny was struck. “I was very moved by Tamika’s story,” she says. “She wasn’t really given the choice to preserve her fertility.”

Ginny, who married her husband Sean in November 2018, was thrilled when doctors thawed one of their frozen embryos. The embryo split, and their gestational carrier gave birth to identical twins in March 2021. With their family now complete, Ginny and Sean were left with four remaining embryos—and a big decision. It didn’t take long for Ginny to know what she wanted to do: she offered the embryos to her friend. 

Out of that generosity and connection, The Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund was born. This fund offers tangible support for cervical cancer survivors navigating fertility services and family-building options. 

Dulcely Tavarez, the first recipient of the Cervivor Baby Gift Fund, shares: “This grant has been such a meaningful part of my journey to parenthood. It’s not only helping to ease the financial burden of adoption, but it’s also a powerful reminder that I’m not alone. Knowing there’s a community standing beside me, cheering me on, gives me so much strength and hope.”

Dulcely Tavarez

Pathway to Parenthood: Helpful Resources

Access to the right resources can make all the difference. Cervivor’s Pathway to Parenthood Helpful Resources offers a comprehensive list of organizations, support groups, and services that support fertility preservation, family-building, emotional care, and financial assistance—providing a vital lifeline for survivors looking to start or grow their families. 

Whether you’re exploring adoption, surrogacy, or fertility treatments, these resources can provide valuable guidance, support, and hope as you navigate your path to parenthood.

How You Can Help

For many survivors, the journey doesn’t end with remission. Cancer treatments can leave lasting scars, including the pain of infertility. By acknowledging this often-overlooked struggle, we can build a more compassionate community that supports survivors in every part of their healing.

Here are some meaningful ways you can make a difference—within the Cervivor community and beyond:

  • Raise awareness about how cervical cancer treatments impact fertility
  • Share stories like Heidi’s and Cindy’s from the Cervivor website
  • Share your own story about infertility and cervical cancer
  • Advocate for fertility preservation and post-treatment support
  • Offer survivors a listening ear and a safe space to share
  • Donate to the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund to help someone take one step closer to the family they’ve dreamed of

Infertility Awareness Week reminds us that the path to parenthood may look different for cervical cancer survivors—but different doesn’t mean impossible. Through shared stories, community support, and advocacy, we can bring hope and healing to those navigating this difficult road. Together, we can turn empathy into action. Every shared story, every act of support, and every donation brings us closer to a world where no one has to walk this journey alone.

Breaking the Silence: The Powerful Connection Between Breast and Cervical Cancer

This month, Cervivor is shining a spotlight on the critical link between breast and cervical cancer, by highlighting the importance of awareness, early detection, and collective action. Many individuals in our community have bravely faced both cancers or carry the gene that increases their risk. By sharing their inspiring stories, expert insights, and vital information, we aim to break the stigma surrounding these diseases and empower you to take control of your health – above or below the belt!

The Intersection of Breast and Cervical Cancer
Did you know that some individuals carrying the gene that increases breast cancer risk can still be diagnosed with cervical cancer? This surprising connection underscores the significance of regular screenings and open conversations. By understanding the importance and similar benefits of breast and cervical cancer screenings, we can harness the power of prevention and early detection.

Key Similarities in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

  1. Purpose: Screening and early detection help identify cancer or cancerous cells before symptoms appear.
  2. Benefits: Both improve survival rates, lower healthcare costs, and reduce the need for more extensive treatments.
  3. Effectiveness: Regular mammograms find breast cancer early, while cervical cancer screenings can prevent or detect cancer at an early stage.

The Power of Awareness and Action
Awareness is not just the first step toward change—it’s the spark that ignites transformation. By educating ourselves and others, we can:

  1. Break the stigma surrounding breast and cervical cancer fostering open conversations that empower and heal.
  2. Encourage regular screenings for early detection giving ourselves and our loved ones the best chance for successful treatment.
  3. Support research and advancements in cancer prevention paving the way for a healthier future for all.

But awareness goes beyond statistics and medical facts; it’s about the power of storytelling. Sharing our stories reminds us that we are not alone—it connects us, inspires us, and strengthens our community. Stories have the power to heal, to motivate, and to bring hope to those who need it most.

In the spirit of unity and empowerment, we’re honored to share the journeys of Kadiana and Karen, two Cervivor Ambassadors who were directly impacted by cervical and breast cancer:

Meet Kadiana, Cervivor Ambassador

Meet Kadiana, Cervivor Ambassador from St. Lucia, who faced a cervical cancer diagnosis at 37 while visiting her sister. Diagnosed with Stage III squamous cell carcinoma, she endured through 32 rounds of external radiation, 6 rounds of brachytherapy, and 6 sessions of chemotherapy. Her journey took a pivotal turn when she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, leading to preventative surgery, including a double mastectomy. Despite the trials, Kadiana continues to spread awareness of HPV, HPV vaccine, cervical cancer screening, and genetic testing. Read more about Kadiana here.

Meet Karen, Cervivor Ambassador

Karen’s journey is a testament to resilience and advocacy. After being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, she received a cervical cancer diagnosis just 18 months later. Despite facing immense challenges, Karen has become a proud Cervivor Ambassador, spreading awareness about HPV prevention and cervical cancer. Read Karen’s inspiring story on the blog.

Take Action Today
The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) is a crucial initiative by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at providing life-saving breast and cervical cancer screenings to underserved women. Since its inception in 1991, the program has screened over 5.6 million women, detecting more than 57,000 cases of breast cancer and 12,000 cases of cervical cancer. The NBCCEDP provides free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests to eligible women who lack health insurance or cannot afford screening services.

The program operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several US territories, partnering with local health organizations to deliver these vital services. By targeting women who are most vulnerable to delayed or foregone care, the NBCCEDP helps bridge the gap in cancer screening disparities, reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes for thousands of women each year. To learn more about eligibility and program locations, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/.  

Here are some tips on how you can help us increase screening rates:

  1. Schedule your preventative screenings now, and encourage your friends to do the same.
  2. Share Kadiana’s video, and Karen’s story with someone and encourage them to share as well.
  3. Explore our featured Cervivor store items or donate to support our mission.
  4. Join upcoming events to connect with others and stay informed.

Together, We Can Make a Difference
By acknowledging the screening similarities  between breast and cervical cancer, we can:

  1. Save lives through early detection.
  2. Break the stigma surrounding these diseases.
  3. Empower future generations with knowledge and awareness.

This is more than a movement—it’s a collective mission. Share your story, your story has the power to inspire. Help us spread awareness, and work together to eliminate cervical cancer. Together, our collective strength is unstoppable.