WNBA MVP and Seattle Storm point guard Erica Wheeler was preparing for her senior year of high school when she received devastating news: her mother had been diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer. In 2012, her mother passed away from the disease—the third most common gynecological cancer in the United States.
Today, Wheeler is transforming that personal “unwavering drive” into advocacy. Driven by the memory of her mother’s resilience and energy, Wheeler has teamed up with Hologic to launch The Ultimate Defense, an educational campaign designed to increase awareness about routine cervical cancer screening and the power of early detection.
While widespread screening has caused U.S. cervical cancer deaths to plummet by 75 percent in recent decades, the progress has not been equal. Women of color continue to face disproportionate barriers to care. Statistics show that Black women are 41 percent more likely to develop cervical cancer than white women and 75 percent more likely to die from it. Furthermore, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, leading to lower five-year survival rates for a cancer that is almost entirely preventable.
“Life can get the best of you,” Wheeler tells BlackDoctor of her mother, a single parent of three. “You’re super busy, and the priority of a screening is not always at the top. Because as a parent, you are working to survive versus taking care of yourself.”
RELATED: Black Women Are Dying from Cervical Cancer at Alarming Rates—Here’s Why
Inspired by the fundamentals of basketball and her mother’s “ball of energy” personality, the campaign rolled out during Cervical Health Awareness Month in January. Through a PSA and social media content, Wheeler encourages women to view regular screenings as their strongest guard against the disease.
“My mom is the reason why I am who I am,” Wheeler shares. “I feel like her passing gave me this drive to be in a position to win an MVP and to be an advocate. I wish my mom had this information in 2012. If I can change even one person’s life, I think my job is done.”
Cervical cancer is largely preventable and treatable, yet many women are not getting screened as often as recommended. As of January 2026, clinical guidelines emphasize a transition toward HPV-based testing and new, accessible options. Current recommendations for average-risk individuals are as follows:
For those under age 21, no screening is currently recommended. Women ages 21 to 24 are advised to receive a Pap test alone every three years, though the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests waiting until age 25 to begin.
Once a woman reaches the 25 to 29 age bracket, the preferred method is a primary HPV test every five years, with a Pap test every three years serving as an alternative. For those ages 30 to 65, the preferred approach remains primary HPV testing every five years. However, a major update in 2026 now allows individuals in this group to use FDA-approved self-collection HPV tests every three years. Other options include co-testing (both HPV and Pap) every five years or a Pap test alone every three years. Screening can generally stop for those 65 and older who have had regular, normal results, such as two consecutive negative HPV tests or three negative Pap tests within the last decade.
RELATED: 5 Warning Signs Of Cervical Cancer Every Black Woman Should Know
For Wheeler, the mission remains deeply personal. She knows how easy it is to reschedule a doctor’s visit when life gets busy, but she urges women to prioritize their health to spare their families the grief she still carries daily.
“The biggest thing for me is the pain that me and my family still feel because of one missed doctor visit,” Wheeler notes. “To have me as a woman of color and an athlete sharing a pain that is super deep—I want to be that voice to help you go take that screening.”
Because medical history and risk factors vary, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the specific screening approach that is right for you.
For more information and resources, visit YourUltimateDefense.com.
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