Erica Wheeler's Ultimate Defense: A Personal Fight Against Cancer

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – January 13, 2026 – For WNBA All-Star Erica Wheeler, defense isn't just about stopping an opponent on the basketball court; it's a life philosophy instilled by her late mother, Melissa Cooper. Over a decade after losing her mother to cervical cancer, Wheeler is channeling that lesson into a national health campaign, transforming personal grief into a powerful public mission.

In a new partnership with women's health leader Hologic, Wheeler is the face of "Ultimate Defense," an educational initiative launched during Cervical Health Awareness Month. The campaign aims to sound the alarm on a preventable disease that, paradoxically, is seeing a resurgence in some U.S. populations, largely due to women falling behind on routine screenings.

“I lost my mom to cervical cancer over a decade ago,” Wheeler shared in a statement. “She taught me that a great defense protects from every angle. On and off the court, coverage, teamwork and communication are critical. Now, to honor my mom’s legacy of caring for others, I’m using my platform to tell women that going to their doctor for Pap and HPV testing is one of the most important ways to protect their cervical health.”

A Preventable Disease on the Rise

For decades, the story of cervical cancer in the United States was one of public health success. Widespread screening led to a steady decline in both incidence and mortality. Yet, recent data reveals a troubling reversal of this trend. Studies have shown an increase in cervical cancer rates among select populations, a development that public health experts attribute in large part to a simple but dangerous factor: underscreening.

Despite the availability of highly effective screening methods, a significant portion of women are not getting tested as recommended. The reasons are complex and multifaceted. For some, barriers are practical, including lack of insurance, transportation difficulties, or trouble securing an appointment. For others, the obstacles are emotional. Fear of the procedure, anxiety about the results, and a deep-seated embarrassment can create formidable psychological walls. A history of trauma can make the experience even more daunting.

Furthermore, a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancers, and the purpose of screening contributes to a low perception of risk. Many women who feel healthy simply do not prioritize a preventive test, unaware that the disease often develops without symptoms in its early, most treatable stages.

The 'Ultimate Defense' Playbook

The "Ultimate Defense" campaign, spearheaded by Hologic, aims to cut through this complex web of barriers with a clear and compelling message. Using the accessible language of basketball, the initiative frames cervical cancer screening as a strategic defensive play for one's health. The campaign will roll out across social media and include a public service announcement video featuring Wheeler.

At the core of the campaign's message is the concept of co-testing, which combines a Pap test to identify abnormal cervical cells with an HPV test to detect the high-risk virus types that cause them. Hologic, a market leader whose ThinPrep Pap Test is used in over 80% of U.S. Pap tests, champions this dual approach. Citing studies showing that co-testing detects 95% of cervical cancers, the campaign presents it as the most robust screening option. Their Aptima HPV assays are designed to detect active HPV infections by targeting E6/E7 mRNA, which is expressed when an infection is progressing toward disease, a feature the company believes offers greater specificity than standard DNA tests.

While the campaign promotes co-testing, clinical guidelines continue to evolve. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society now lean toward primary HPV testing every five years as the preferred method for women aged 30-65 and 25-65, respectively. However, they still list co-testing and Pap tests alone as effective alternatives. The ultimate goal, shared by all health organizations and echoed by the new campaign, is to get more women screened, regardless of the specific method.

The Power of a Personal Story

The selection of Erica Wheeler as the campaign's ambassador is a strategic move that leverages one of the most powerful tools in health communication: an authentic personal narrative. Research has consistently shown that celebrity-led health campaigns can drive significant behavioral change, but only when the messenger is perceived as credible and genuinely connected to the cause. The "Angelina Jolie effect," which saw a surge in genetic testing after the actress shared her story, is a prime example.

Wheeler's advocacy is rooted in profound loss. Her mother's battle with cervical cancer was something she kept private, not wanting to derail her daughter's focus on basketball and education. This experience imbued Wheeler with a fierce determination to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy. Her commitment is not just verbal; it's woven into her identity. A recent signature shoe released in her honor features teal accents—the color of cervical cancer awareness—and a ribbon on the sole inscribed with "For Mom."

This deep personal connection transforms her from a paid spokesperson into a credible advocate. When Wheeler speaks about the importance of a strong defense, it resonates beyond the basketball court. She is not just reciting talking points; she is sharing a hard-won lesson from her own life.

The campaign encourages women to visit YourUltimateDefense.com for more resources, but its central call to action is a conversation. By urging women to speak with their healthcare providers, the initiative acknowledges that screening is not one-size-fits-all. A woman's age, medical history, and risk factors all play a role in determining the right approach, a decision best made in partnership with a trusted medical professional. Through this combination of a relatable messenger and actionable advice, Hologic and Wheeler hope to turn the tide on a preventable disease, ensuring every woman has the information she needs to build her own ultimate defense.