The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

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. 

Amplifying Our Cervivor Footprint on National Patient Advocacy Day

Today, we celebrate National Patient Advocacy Day, recognizing the profound impact of patient advocacy in improving healthcare outcomes and advancing policy and research. At Cervivor, we’re proud of our organization’s commitment to empowering patients and families affected by cervical cancer. Through our work, we’ve partnered with esteemed organizations like The National Cancer Institute and The National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, and hold positions on leading coalitions such as The American Cancer Society National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer (ACS NRTCC). 

We’re highlighting the remarkable work of our community members, who have shared their stories, volunteered their time, and mobilized their networks to drive change. Together, we’ve raised awareness, promoted education, and advocated for policies supporting cervical cancer prevention and treatment, as well as HPV vaccination access. Our collective efforts – our “Cervivor footprint” – have led to:

  • Influencing policy changes, such as advocating for expanded HPV vaccination access through the PREVENT HPV CANCERS ACT and ensuring sustained funding for cervical cancer screening services like Medicaid and CHIP funding for Pap tests and HPV testing plus increased support for The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).
  • Contributing to research initiatives like providing patient perspective and expertise to studies focused on cervical cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship; and supporting the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments, including participation in advisory boards for clinical trials and innovative technologies.
  • Providing trusted resources and support programming for patients and families through social media content, community outreach initiatives, virtual and in-person programming, and patient advocacy trainings. 

As we acknowledge the power of patient advocacy, we’re reminded that our work doesn’t stop here. We’re urging our community to take an essential step further with a simple call-to-action: share Cervivor with your local healthcare provider and cancer center. By doing so, you’ll help ensure that those affected by cervical cancer have access to our trusted resources, support programming, and advocacy efforts.

We also acknowledge the dedicated healthcare professionals who partner with us to amplify our mission. Together, we have achieved more. We invite professionals to join us in our purpose by:

  • Partnering with Cervivor on local initiatives, such as immunization coalitions, advisory boards, and research projects
  • Hosting a Cervivor speaker at a local event or virtual gathering
  • Collaborating on a fundraiser to support Cervivor’s mission
  • Sharing expertise through a guest blog post or being a featured guest on Cervivor platforms
  • Joining the Cervivor directory to become a potential speaker for upcoming events like the Cervical Cancer Summit Powered By Cervivor, Cervivor School, or the Cervical Cancer Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color

Simply submit your information by becoming a Partner in Purpose here. Together, we can accelerate progress toward our mission of ending cervical cancer. Join us in continuing to amplify patient voices, drive research, and support those impacted by this disease.