Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with an estimated 570,000 new cases in 2018. Studies show that psychological stress is associated with increased cancer-specific mortality among women with cervical cancer, making behavioral health and survivor support an integral component of cancer care treatment and follow-up. To hear the first-hand accounts of women from across the country share their personal survivor stories and offer important lessons for other women, check out the below resources from CDC’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cervical Cancer Survivor Stories
“I choose to see the blessings in the experience of having cancer. I learned to listen to my body and advocate for myself.”
—Ana R., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 36
“Always listen to that inner voice. If you feel like something is not right, get it checked.”
—Amy R., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 41
“Cancer has changed my entire life and how I appreciate and look at everything around me.”
—Jen P., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 43
“I was scared and angry when I received my diagnosis, but I decided to face it head on.”
—Janna H., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 32
“I had the chance to prevent my cancer. Please don’t miss your chance. Vaccinate yourself and your children.”
—Kristina N.H., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 34
“I’ve been thrown some difficult challenges, but yes, there will be a rest of my life. I will NEVER give up!”
—Rose T., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 38
“My instinct has always been to never give up!”
—Jennie C., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 32
“I had a family history of cervical and uterine cancers but I didn’t get checked until I had symptoms. So if you have a family history, tell your doctor and ask if you should have special tests to find anything early.”
—Eileen A., Cervical and Uterine Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 64
“Get your Pap smear regularly. It really can save your life.”
—Geraldine P., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 62
“I’m living proof that screening can find cervical cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best.”
—Tamika F., Cervical Cancer Survivor
Age at diagnosis: 25