Patient Perspective: Mobilizing Grassroots Efforts to Eliminate Cervical Cancer | Linda Ryan

Linda Ryan, Patient Advocate

As a recurrent metastatic cervical cancer survivor and patient advocate, being involved in the elimination of cervical cancer is at the forefront of where I spend my energy.

It is a momentous task that we have the tools to accomplish. As a member of the SGO Cervical Cancer Taskforce in support of the WHO’s Call to Action to eliminate cervical cancer, it was important to me to attend the Florida HPV Eliminating Leading Progress Statewide Summit (HELPS) to see what efforts were happening in my own state and learn what I can do locally to eliminate HPV related cancers, specifically cervical cancer. It’s encouraging to know that some states within the US are getting closer to the goal and, even more so, to know that countries, like Australia, are paving the way to global success.

Learning about local efforts during the Florida Summit energized me to seek out what I can do to make a difference. One presenter was from a hospital system who collaborated with the American Cancer Society Hospital System Capacity Building Initiative to develop a plan to increase HPV vaccinations through a three-pronged approach: education for parents and students, community awareness campaigns, and provider education programs. Their efforts were reflected in an increase in HPV vaccination rates. This presentation led me to think about the hospital system in my area and how I could initiate this type of program locally. Imagine how much closer we would be to meeting the goal of elimination if every hospital system had a similar program?

A different program is fully underway in the state of Alabama. It was interesting to hear what is being done on the state level and combining that with the efforts of the SGO Cervical Cancer Taskforce on the provider and global level. Currently, the Taskforce is working in collaboration with ACOG, ASCCP, ASTRO, and ABS on two white papers discussing the minimum quality standards for cervical cancer care and health equity, disparities, and barriers to cervical cancer care in the U.S. It appears that cervical cancer is being approached from all angles which will have great impact to eliminate this disease.

Patients have strong voices. It’s critical that we all use our voices within the efforts that are underway and find ways to ensure that a diverse population of patients is represented in these initiatives. I appreciate that SGO cares about the patient voice and continuously includes patients in the conversation.

Linda Ryan is a patient advocate in Longboat Key, FL, and member of the SGO Cervical Cancer Taskforce.