When Gretchen Oltman scheduled a mammogram in fall 2024, she wasn’t worried. She felt fine. That routine visit set off a chain of events that would change her life – and ultimately lead her to advocate for others facing the same uncertainty she once felt.

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when it is found early through regular screening.

A gynecologic oncologist is a physician trained in obstetrics and gynecology. They also have specialized training in gynecologic oncology. Gynecologic oncologists treat patients with cancer of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity).