The Hidden Health Toll of Abuse: HPV, Cancer, and What No One Told You

Summary

What if the trauma you survived years ago is still quietly affecting your body today? Most people don't realize how deeply the emotions and body are connected, and for survivors of abuse and assault, the post-traumatic health effects on the body can show up in devastating ways decades later. In this powerful episode, Mandi sits down with returning guest Rev. Dr. Geneece, a domestic violence survivor, researcher, and advocate, to discuss something almost no one is talking about: the connection between abuse, assault, and immune function, and how that link can lead directly to cervical cancer.

"If you're a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault, wouldn't you want to know if you are at higher risk for certain physical or mental health conditions?" That's the question driving Rev. Dr. Geneece's new mission. She shares her deeply personal journey through a cancer diagnosis, three surgeries in five months, and the research she uncovered that every survivor deserves to know. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered why their body still feels the weight of something they survived long ago.

Resources

HPV Vaccine Information- CDC resource on the HPV vaccine, eligibility, and efficacy

• Previous episodes with Rev. Dr. Geneeceon “Why Victims Stay..” and “Exposing Spiritual Abuse” and “Tricky Thing About Spiritual Abuse”

• Research articles on PTSD and long-term health effects“Exploring the Possible Link Between PTSD and Early Menopause”and “PTSD Symptoms and Timing of Menopause and GYN Surgery”

Connect with Rev. Dr. Geneece:

• Website: HopeRiseThrive.com

• Instagram: @HopeRiseThrive

• Facebook: @HopeRiseThrive

Connect with Mandi:

• Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com

• Take the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz

• Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared

• LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt

TIMESTAMPS

[04:03] Emotions and body are connected; why trauma survivors feel it years later

[05:17] Geneece's HPV diagnosis and the cancer journey begins

[9:04] The connection between abuse, assault, and immune function, and what that means for cancer risk

[11:15] "He actually died five years ago, and here he is still trying to attack me from the grave"

[14:16] Three surgeries, robotic hysterectomy, and becoming cancer free

[18:15] Victim blaming and why survivors avoid follow-up care

[19:41] The HPV vaccine: who should get it and when

[23:11] Coping mechanisms, survivor wellness, compassion for those still healing

[26:08] How to connect with Rev. Dr. Geneece

[27:10] Recap and closing thoughts

The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.