access to excellent care,” Felder shares.
For many cancer patients, the road to recovery is just as challenging as receiving the diagnosis and undergoing treatment. This was the case for Felder, who wrestled with feelings of isolation and anger as she tried to return to her old life.
In 2005, Felder founded Tamika and Friends (now Cervivor, Inc.), which aims to inspire and empower women impacted by cervical cancer. The organization also hopes to provide education and awareness, destigmatize the disease, and help find a cure for it.
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Her advice to women with cervical cancer
With nearly 22 years of being cancer-free under her belt, Felder is thriving, although she occasionally experiences the effects of her diagnosis.
“Overall, I’m doing great. I have to deal with several secondary post-cancer issues; but overall, I’m alive,” she says. And it’s not just about being alive, but your quality of life beyond cancer. “That’s another issue that Black women have to face. Receiving care should also mean a good quality of life post-cancer,” Felder notes.
She shared her suggestions for Black women living with cervical cancer with Everyday Health:
- Get screened. Early on, cervical cancer won’t cause symptoms. Stay on top of your health and never skip an annual Pap smear or a doctor’s appointment.
- Ask questions and educate yourself about the disease. “If you are not being heard [by your provider], seek a second opinion, if you can. The key is also education and awareness,” says Felder.
- Advocate for yourself. No one will ever be a better advocate for your health and well-being than you. “If you can’t advocate for yourself, find someone who can advocate on your behalf,” says Felder.
- Seek support. “You are not alone. Cervivor is here to support you,” Felder says. You can also check out the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and the American Cancer Society.