Fayetteville, Ga. (January 27, 2026) – Melissa Davis is a survivor of cervical cancer. The mother of two credits her faith and stated she was determined to beat the disease, but she urges women to maintain their annual appointments with primary care physicians and OB/GYNs, and to listen to their bodies.
“Looking back, there were some signs, but I wasn’t listening,” said Melissa Davis. “Until one day there was a lot of blood loss. I went to Piedmont Fayette Hospital and was blessed to meet Dr. Davis.”
Mitzie-Ann Davis, M.D., MPH, FACOG, is a gynecologic oncologist at Piedmont Fayette. She sees patients with cervical cancer and ovarian cancer, among others, and many of them are young and unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of these diseases.
“Cervical cancer is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and can typically be detected through a Pap test or HPV test,” said Dr. Davis. “It typically presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain.”
According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44, with the average age being 50. The CDC reports that approximately 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S. and about 4,000 women die of this cancer.
There are several risk factors for cervical cancer and many involve having HPV. However, smoking is also a risk factor and is associated with a form of cervical cancer. Women should ask their doctor about the HPV vaccine as receiving a vaccination may reduce the risk of cervical cancer and other cancers linked to HPV.
“The earlier that cancer can be diagnosed and treated, the better the chance for successful treatment,” said Dr. Davis. “Women should also be in tune with their body so that they can spot changes as well.”
Melissa Davis went through chemotherapy twice and had radiation therapy. She is now cancer-free and wants other women to stay that way.
“Find the doctors you click with and do what you need to do to stay healthy,” said Melissa Davis. “I lost my mother to cancer and I was determined to break that curse.”
For more information on Piedmont Fayette’s comprehensive cancer services, visit piedmont.org/cancer.
The HPV vaccine can be administered at Piedmont Urgent Care, Piedmont QuickCare and Piedmont primary care locations. To find a convenient location, visit piedmont.org.
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