Your Story Matters

It’s Time to Spark More Below the Belt Conversations

Cancer is a life disrupter that can test one’s physical, emotional, and mental strength to the brink. Those who have endured this relentless disease and emerged often feel called to do something more so others don’t have to go through the same thing. Sharing their story becomes an invaluable source of hope, inspiration, and surprisingly, healing. 

Anna, Communities of Color Retreat
Ashley, HPV Cancer Survivors School


This is the importance of sharing your story and sparking more below-the-belt conversations.

Breaking the Silence
Gynecologic cancer often carries with it a heavy stigma, and many patients and survivors initially find it challenging to talk openly about their diagnosis and treatment. However, sharing your story helps break the silence surrounding these cancers, making it a topic that is easier for others to learn and discuss. This shame resilience fosters a sense of community and support, as others facing similar challenges can relate to your experiences.

Providing Comfort and Hope
This journey can be a frightening and isolating time, both for patients and their loved ones. When you share your story, you offer comfort to those who are in the midst of their own experiences. Your insights provide them with hope and reassurance that they, too, can overcome this formidable adversary. 

Empowering Others
Your story can empower others to take control of their health. It can motivate individuals to prioritize regular check-ups, engage in healthier lifestyles, and advocate for themselves when it comes to their medical care. By sharing your journey, you become a beacon of strength and resilience that encourages others to take action.

Raising Awareness and Changing the World
Your story can contribute to increased awareness about the disease. By describing the symptoms you experienced, the importance of early detection, and the challenges you faced during treatment, you can help educate others about cancer prevention and the need for regular screenings and it can even improve the way the treatment is provided in the future. This knowledge can ultimately save lives.

Milicent & Sally making community connections in Kenya
Karla speaking to her Catholic school in Honduras


Sharing your cancer journey as a patient and survivor is a profoundly meaningful and impactful endeavor and can make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Cervivor encourages you to share your story today starting with our easy-to-follow template. It might be exactly what someone needs to hear to find the strength to face their own cancer battle with courage and determination.

Join us in our last Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month Below the Belt Conversations live on the Cervivor Facebook page on Thursday, September 21st starting at 7 PM EST!

Embracing Inclusivity

It’s officially Pride Month so let’s talk about it, embracing inclusivity. 

Language has the ability to shape our perceptions, build understanding, and foster a world where everyone feels seen, respected, and celebrated. By using inclusive terms and adopting inclusive language, we can create an environment where people of all gender identities and sexual orientations can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment. 

Remember, words like “cisgender,” “non-binary,” “genderqueer,” “pansexual,” and “asexual” hold immense significance by validating and honoring the diverse experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Let’s educate ourselves and others, not just on pronouns but on the beautiful tapestry of identities that exist. By doing so, we pave the way for a world that embraces and celebrates the full spectrum of human diversity. 

Cancer disparities within the LGBTQIA+ community are a pressing concern that demands attention. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, including social determinants of health, limited access to healthcare services, and unique behavioral risk factors. LGBTQIA+ individuals often face discrimination and stigma, which can lead to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use, as well as mental health challenges. 

Additionally, inadequate healthcare coverage and cultural insensitivity can create barriers to early detection, prevention, and timely treatment. Addressing cancer disparities in the LGBTQIA+ community requires comprehensive efforts, including targeted outreach, education, and policy changes to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and reduce the burden of cancer in this marginalized population.

Cervical cancer poses a significant health concern for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the importance of inclusive and comprehensive healthcare practices to address the unique needs and experiences of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

We encourage and support individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ to share their stories. Each personal narrative has the power to create empathy, break down stereotypes, and change the future to reflect the change we want to see. 

 We are Cervivor and we want you to know that you are never alone. Your story matters!