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Advocating for HPV Awareness: Erin's Fight Against Anal Cancer

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Erin Sullivan-Wagner was diagnosed with stage one anal cancer in 2008.
She faced stigma discussing her condition.
Anal cancer increasingly affects American women over 50; human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 90% of cases, making early detection crucial.
The HPV vaccine, introduced in 2006, has not reached many older women.
Sullivan-Wagner founded After Cancer to improve communication about sexual side effects.

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Story summary

Erin Sullivan-Wagner was diagnosed with stage one anal cancer in 2008.
She faced stigma discussing her condition.
Anal cancer increasingly affects American women over 50; human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 90% of cases, making early detection crucial.
The HPV vaccine, introduced in 2006, has not reached many older women.
Sullivan-Wagner founded After Cancer to improve communication about sexual side effects.