Get Screened for Cervical Cancer

Dr. Maria B. Schiavone (gynecologic oncologist) and Deyka Torres (cervical cancer survivor) bring awareness to encourage all to get screened for cancer and the importance of early detection.

Maria B. Schiavone, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist at Holy Name Medical Center and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women with benign and malignant conditions of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina and vulva, as well as related malignancies of the upper abdomen, pelvic area and colorectal region. Dr. Schiavone has completed a number of clinical projects focusing on sentinel lymph node mapping, the reduction of surgical site infections, and robotic surgery for gynecologic malignancies. She has presented her research nationally and internationally and is widely published, including recent studies in Annals of Surgical Oncology and Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Schiavone is fluent in Spanish, and is passionate about advancing women’s health, reducing disparities in health care access and improving quality of life among underserved populations.

Deyka Torres was living life to the fullest – as a wife, mother of three and teacher who was working on her Master’s degree. After experiencing some early symptoms of discomfort in her pelvic area, Deyka went to see her doctor, who later conducted a screening and diagnosed her with stage 1b cervical cancer at age 37. Like most busy mothers, Deyka had a lot going on in her life and even more plans for the future, and cancer was not a part of her vision. After surgery, she came out on the other side as a survivor. Now, one year after being diagnosed and treated for her disease, Deyka is doing well and credits her survivorship to early diagnosis, encouraging others to be aware of any changes in their body and to talk to their doctors about recommended screenings.