Lisa Gopman

“Early detection saved my life. I had no symptoms and never had an abnormal Pap before. I’m so grateful that I went in for my checkup, got screened, and my doctor found it early. ”

Lisa Gopman went in for her routine screening when her doctor discovered she had cervical cancer. When she was told the news, she felt like her whole world stopped because she had no symptoms and no history of abnormal Pap smears. “It was truly like a moment you see in the movies. I couldn’t hear anything else my doctor was saying, but she just repeated, ‘We do not believe it to be life-threatening.’ I’m so grateful that she repeated it until I could finally hear her.” Lisa was relieved to know that because her cancer was caught early, it would be easier to treat.

As she entered treatment, Lisa’s life and career had to be put on hold. Throughout the mental challenges that came with her diagnosis, she channeled her inner strength and leaned on her husband, family, and friends for support. “They showed up for me by wearing my favorite superhero on pins during my treatment, which helped me feel strong.” Lisa also found therapy and a cancer support group to be extremely helpful. “Everyone has their own process, and I believe you should trust your gut on what you need to get through it.”

Today, Lisa is cancer-free, and she stands up for herself, her friends who were lost to cancer, and her mother-in-law who recently passed away from the disease. She speaks openly about her cancer experience and advocates for others to keep up with their cancer screenings through social media and her stand-up comedy shows. “I know it’s scary and sometimes you feel like maybe you don’t want to know but trust me, you want to know as soon as possible. Do it for yourself and for your family. Early detection saved my life, and it can save yours too.”

Stand Up To Cancer raises awareness and funds research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. Find out how you can get involved.