Did you know that people under age 40 can get cervical cancer? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Samantha Gonzales Russell, a three-time cervical cancer survivor and passionate cervical cancer and health advocate from Nevada.

Sam shares her journey from her early healthcare experiences to her diagnosis with cervical cancer beginning when she was 27 years old, treatment options, and the importance of self-advocacy in navigating the healthcare system. The discussion also delves into the mental health impacts of cancer, the significance of empowerment, and the role of advocacy for all in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, especially for women. Samantha's story serves as an inspiration for millennials and women to prioritize their cervical health and be proactive in their healthcare decisions.

Highlights:

• (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• (02:07) Samantha's Early Healthcare Experiences
• (05:59) The Journey to Diagnosis
• (12:10) Treatment Options and Decisions
• (15:57) Recurrence and Finding New Care
• (19:50) Navigating the Healthcare System
• (24:04) Mental Health Impact of Cancer
• (29:52) Self-Advocacy in Healthcare
• (34:04) Empowerment and Advocacy for Others

Links:
Are you a millennial interested learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Learn more about this episode's guest, Samantha Gonzales-Russell and follow her at: https://www.instagram.com/gosamgrow/

Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com/.