Always Advocate for Yourself
- Emma Swain, 23, asked for a pap smear 15 times when she started exhibiting signs of cervical cancer, but was dismissed by her doctor; she passed away from the disease a year later.
- 70% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), but 90% of diagnoses can be prevented through the HPV vaccine.
- Cancer survivors tell us that it’s important to always push for answers and ask questions if you feel like there is something wrong.
In 2013, Swain visited her doctor to ask for a pap smear when she started exhibiting back pain and bleeding after intercourse (symptoms of cervical cancer). However, her doctor dismissed her worries and told her that she was too young for a pap smear, and the symptoms she was experiencing were likely due to birth control she was taking. The symptoms continued, and she proceeded to reach out to her doctor 14 more times in concern. Despite her pushing for answers, the doctor continued saying she did not need a pap smear because she was so young, and encouraged her to change her birth control.
Read MoreDr. Jessica Geiger explains why the HPV vaccine is key in preventing cancer
HPV’s Link to Cervical Cancer
One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV) one of the most common viruses which can be transmitted through sexual contact. HPV is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer, and there are usually no early signs or symptoms of the disease. However, cervical cancer can be detected through regular check-ups, such as pap smears.
Over 70% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV, but other cancers are also linked to the virus, such as throat cancer. Luckily, the HPV vaccine can help prevent 90% of those cancers from being diagnosed. Typically, the vaccine will be given to children before they are sexually active, seeing as HPV is transmitted through sexual contact.
“Both boys and girls should be vaccinated with HPV to prevent cervical cancer in women, throat cancer in men, as well as anal cancer in both men and women because those are HPV-related malignancies as well,” Dr. Ted Teknos, scientific director of the Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, told SurvivorNet in a previous interview.
Dr. Ted Teknos explains how the HPV vaccine can prevent cancer diagnoses
Cancer Survivors Turned Advocates
Advocating for yourself and your health is an important step in catching a possible diagnosis early. There are obstacles for both men and women, as men often delay reporting symptoms to their doctor and women can be dismissed by their physician. This was the case for April Knowles, who visited her doctor after finding a lump in her breast but left without any answers. However, April soon learned that her doctor had missed her breast cancer, which had spread to her spine and hip. This taught her an important lesson about advocating for yourself.
Related: If You Feel Something, Say Something Men Ignore Symptoms Too Often
“I think women, especially young women, are really used to being dismissed by their doctors," April says. "You're too young for this or here's some Prozac, go home and cook dinner for your children. I think a lot of patients don't want to hurt their doctor's feelings either. We really do want our doctors to like us, but you have to take charge. You have to learn about your disease You have to ask questions. Even if you can get your doctor to do a second opinion over the phone somewhere just to get the peace of mind that you're on the right track, I think it's very helpful."
Following a cancer diagnosis, many survivors have become advocates in spreading awareness around the disease and how to prevent a late diagnosis. This was the case for former NYPD cop Patti Murillo Casa, who was diagnosed with stage 2b cervical cancer three months after she retired. Now, Casa advocates for other women battling cervical cancer by educating them on the disease and teaching ways women can catch it early.
Related: Lillian Kreppel Got Cancer Through HPV, And She Wants to Stop the Vaccine Controversy
"It's important for me to advocate, to help other women," Casa told SurvivorNet in a previous interview. "I share my story and I want them to learn from it. I want women to know that if you're fighting this disease, you're not alone. I'm here, and I want to help other women prevent this disease, that my generation will be the last generation to have cervical cancer."
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