Erica Wheeler on cervical cancer prevention, her NBA career and the digital age

Erica Wheeler said she lost her mother to cervical cancer and is using her platform with Hologic’s The Ultimate Defense to raise awareness about Pap and HPV screening.

Erica Wheeler spoke about her life as a professional basketball player, how the digital age has changed athlete platforms, and why cervical cancer awareness matters to her. She lost her mother to cervical cancer and described using her public voice to honor that loss. Wheeler has partnered with Hologic on an initiative called The Ultimate Defense focused on routine cervical screening. She also discussed ongoing plans that include community work and possible events linked to the campaign. What we know: - Wheeler lost her mother to cervical cancer and is publicly encouraging conversations about cervical health. - She partnered with Hologic to launch The Ultimate Defense and referenced screening guidance reported in the campaign: Pap tests every three years for women ages 21–29 and combined Pap plus HPV testing every five years for women 30 and older. - Wheeler said she is exploring a cervical cancer walk in Miami and remains active in mentoring youth through her foundation and camps. Summary: Wheeler connects her athletic platform and personal loss to a public awareness effort focused on routine cervical screening. The campaign is running now with Hologic and includes plans for future events such as a possible awareness walk in Miami; further details on those events were not specified.