Early Detection Saves Young Mom Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer

Carli Dunn is a pediatric speech-language pathologist, a mom and a partner to the father of her two young children, ages seven and nine. At 30 years old, she describes her life as a constant balancing act between her career, graduate studies and motherhood. In January 2025, that balance was unexpectedly upset by a diagnosis of stage 1 cervical cancer.

Her story is a testament to the importance of regular health screenings and the advanced, personalized care that can make all the difference.

Juggling Life and an Unexpected Diagnosis

For Ms. Dunn, life was full. She was working full-time in a field she loves, helping children with speech and language delays find their voice. At the same time, she was pursuing a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Her days were a whirlwind of client sessions, coursework and treasured moments with her young children.

“I think I took on too much—school, work, and mom life,” Ms. Dunn reflects. “I could have done better with my stress management.”

Amid this demanding schedule, she began experiencing irregular bleeding and pain. Having not had a Pap smear in six years, she knew she could not delay seeking medical advice. “I had been experiencing symptoms for about two months before my Pap smear,” she shares. “Life gets busy, especially as a mom or working woman, but your health has to come first.”

The Pap smear led to a colposcopy, which detected cancer cells. Ms. Dunn was then referred to John P. Diaz, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.

“It was overwhelming,” Ms. Dunn recalls. “Receiving a cancer diagnosis on top of everything else was terrifying and emotionally exhausting. My biggest fear was not knowing how serious it was.”

A Plan for Treatment and a Future

From her first appointment, Dr. Diaz provided a sense of clarity and reassurance. “Dr. Diaz was very honest, clear, and compassionate,” Ms. Dunn says. “He took the time to explain everything in a way I could understand and reassured me that there was a plan. His confidence and calm demeanor immediately made me feel like I was in the right hands.”

Dr. Diaz recognized the unique aspects of Ms. Dunn’s case. “What made her case unique was her young age, her desire to preserve fertility, and the ability to achieve cancer control through a conservative surgical approach,” he explains.

Cervical cancer is relatively uncommon in the United States, and only a small number of patients are candidates for fertility-sparing surgery. After a comprehensive review by the multidisciplinary tumor board at Miami Cancer Institute, this was the recommended path for Ms. Dunn.

“Given her early-stage disease and strong desire for future fertility, we recommended a fertility-sparing surgical approach,” notes Dr. Diaz. This involved a procedure for the removal of her cervix and the assessment of two lymph nodes.

Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and the final pathology report showed that no further therapy was required.

The Road to Recovery

The surgery went smoothly and Ms. Dunn was able to return home shortly afterward. The recovery, however, presented its own set of challenges for the active mother.

“Recovery was challenging, especially as a mom who’s used to being physically present and active with her kids,” she says. “It took some time before I could safely pick them up and hug them the way I wanted to.”

Despite the physical and emotional hurdles, Ms. Dunn persevered. She not only recovered from her surgery but also completed her master’s degree, graduating in April 2025. “It was incredibly challenging but also one of my proudest accomplishments,” she says.

Today, Ms. Dunn is cancer-free and has returned to her normal daily activities, including her favorite exercise routine of treadmill walking and weight training. She feels immense gratitude for the care she received.

“Dr. Diaz is knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly patient-centered,” she states. “I would recommend him to anyone because he combines expertise with genuine care and empathy.”

The Critical Importance of Screening

Both Ms. Dunn and Dr. Diaz emphasize one central message: early and regular screening for cervical cancer is critical.

“In Ms. Dunn’s case, early detection allowed for curative treatment while preserving fertility—options that may not be possible with more advanced disease,” Dr. Diaz states.

Her case highlights the importance of individualized care and making treatment decisions that balance oncologic safety with quality-of-life considerations.

For Ms. Dunn, the experience was a profound lesson. “Don’t delay your screenings or ignore symptoms, even if they seem mild,” she urges other women. “Early detection is important.”

Her journey underscores a vital truth for all women, especially busy mothers juggling countless responsibilities: prioritizing your own health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your family. Regular screenings provide the best opportunity to detect and treat conditions like cervical cancer at their earliest, most treatable stage.

For more information about gynecologic cancers and the services and physicians at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, click here.