Our Purpose
Although cervical cancer can be prevented with the HPV vaccine (VACCINATE!), some cervical lesions might still develop. In fact, every year, about 3 million women receive abnormal cervical cancer screening results. While some lesions may heal on their own, others might not, leading doctors to rely on complex guidelines to determine the best course of action.
Our study is exploring a new angle: we’re looking at the role of the vaginal microbiome—the community of good bacteria living in the vagina—and how it might help lower the risk of severe cervical lesions. We’re also investigating how stress, which is more common in marginalized communities, might disrupt these good bacteria and increase cancer risk. If we’re right, there could be a way to prevent cervical cancer by improving vaginal health with things like probiotics and stress reduction, reducing unnecessary biopsies and promoting reproductive justice.
This research isn’t just about science; it’s about finding real solutions that make a difference in the lives of women who are most affected by these issues.
You may be eligible to participate if you are:
Female (sex assigned at birth)
Self-identify as Latina, non-Latina Black/African or non-Latina-White
21 to 44 years of age
Received abnormal Pap test results for the first time in the last 5 years (regardless of HPV status)
Received a recommendation for a follow-up colposcopy
About the Principal Investigator of the Study
Katherine Y. Tossas, PhD, MS
Saludos y bienvenidos! I’m Dr. Kathy Tossas, a cancer epidemiologist with a background in microbiology. More importantly, I’m an Afro-Latina born and raised in Puerto Rico, a proud first-generation college graduate, mom to three remarkable humans and a dog who’s the reincarnation of Scooby Doo. In case of emergency, I’m a Capricorn, yellow is my favorite color and I love salsa dancing.
I first learned the word cancer at 9 years old, when my mom was diagnosed with cervical cancer. By then, she had undergone 18 cervical biopsies, had five miscarriages and two stillbirths. Cervical cancer was the first of three cancers mom would battle in her short lifetime. But in my lifetime, I have seen cervical cancer go from a cancer that made me an only child, to a cancer that is not only highly preventable, but eradicable! We can screen for it to find it early (with a Papanicolau), prevent it with the HPV vaccine and if our research hypothesis is true, then your participation might contribute to reducing the need for those painful cervical biopsies to preserve our SACRED WOMB.
This work is personal for me, and I see it as my ministry. I believe this issue is one of reproductive justice. When you participate in our SACRED WOMB study, we’re in this together, working hand-in-hand to fight back against this disease and make a real difference in the reproductive lives of womxn everywhere. Together, we can do this—one question, one step at a time.
Thank you for trusting me and for partnering with me!
Sign up for the Sacred Womb Initiative today!