While at the peak of a successful career in higher education, Teresa’s life took a sharp and unexpected turn. After moving back to Illinois for love, she noticed a strange bump on her vulva during an intimate moment with her partner.

Assuming it was just an ingrown hair, she waited a month before deciding to consult a doctor. The bump wasn’t red, painful, or inflamed—just firm and persistent. When her gynaecologist examined it, she was told it might be cancerous, despite initial reassurances. That’s when Teresa heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “a little bit of cancer.” But what does a little bit of cancer really mean?