NCCC Iowa (Cedar Rapids)
Jen English is a long-time passionate advocate for women’s health and the Cedar Rapids Chapter Leader for the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. With over 10 years in women’s sexual health education and sales, Jen has dedicated herself to empowering women with the knowledge they need to understand and care for their reproductive health. Her approach is as fun and approachable as it is informative, making her a trusted resource for women seeking to demystify their own bodies and make informed choices about their health.
Jen’s journey took a deeply personal turn in her 30s when, as a busy mother of six, she was diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer. Like many women, Jen had let her routine screenings slip – and a dedicated Nurse Practitioner brought her back for follow-up on an abnormal pap smear from the previous year. That reminder proved to be life-saving. The early detection allowed Jen to avoid more aggressive treatments; a hysterectomy was sufficient to remove all traces of the cancer.
Jen’s experience has only strengthened her commitment to educating others. Statistics show that many women delay or skip their first pap smears, often not prioritizing this essential health check amid life’s many demands. Jen’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of annual pap smears and the lifesaving potential of early detection. Through her work with the NCCC, Jen is helping to raise awareness and ensure that women in her community don’t let their own health fall through the cracks.
Listen to Jen's Story
Jen shared her story for our special podcast series, the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment.
Jen had a lot of experience in sexual health, and was comfortable talking about the topic, but she realized how much she didn’t know about HPV and cervical health when she was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer. Her experience inspired her to become an NCCC chapter leader.