A few years ago, we shared Tamika Felder's cervical cancer survivorship story, where she talked about her diagnosis at age 25, life afterward, and how it led to her creating Cervivor. Her non-profit patient advocacy platform provides education, support, and community for those diagnosed with the disease. We caught up with her recently to discuss how perceptions about the disease have changed, why the statistics on Black women remain so high, her legacy, and the unexpected gift of motherhood. How do you think knowledge of cervical and its treatment have changed? Felder: We're doing better than we were but are not where we should be. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not an expert, but I am because I have experienced the disease. I have my ear to the streets talking to patients. But the biggest problem I see is  Black women are still falling through the cracks. Women of color across the board are being overlooked, but Black women are falling through the cracks because: We are diagnosed late. Our follow-up isn't good, whether it is on us...
When someone we love is diagnosed with cervical cancer, we are often not sure of the best ways to support them. Our loved ones are often so inundated with information and emotions that they're unsure what will help. Tamika Felder, cervical cancer survivor and founder of Cervivor, a non-profit patient advocacy group, offers these suggestions to support your mom, sibling, friend, or family member: Be Present. Don't worry about what you will say to your friend or family member. Start by showing up for them. She may or may not want to discuss their diagnosis, but follow her cues. If she...
When a Black woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, her mind starts racing, and her reactions may run the gamut to include anger, anxiety, fear, depression, and shame. But while you may be on an emotional rollercoaster, you also must figure out her next steps. Here is some information you don’t want to miss: Make Sure You Get a Second Opinion. According to Dr. Carol Brown, MD, FACOG, FACS, a Gynecologic Surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, “If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, the most important thing is to get an opinion from a gynecologic oncologist, a specialist who...
Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, but if we stop screenings at age 65, many more Black women will die from the disease as a result. That is because we are already diagnosed at later stages and have a lower five-year survival rate overall. The American Society of Clinical Oncology says, "For Black women, the 5-year relative survival rate is 56%. Older women also have lower survival rates. Women who are 65 or older have a 46% relative survival rate." Several regional studies have proved that these guidelines may need further examination. At the University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer...
Lack of insurance and infrequent Pap smears led to a scary diagnosis "April 12, 2001. My life changed forever," says Tamika Felder, 41, of the day she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. "In hindsight, it's the day I became a survivor." Prior to that date, Felder, a South Carolina native, thought she was living her best life ever. "I was a young woman living in D.C. Career-wise I was doing exactly what I wanted. I was having a ball. I was living—what I thought—was life to the fullest." At 25, Felder took a part-time job in her field, covering the 2000 presidential...