On the Path to Prevention from the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

Add HPV Cancer Elimination to Your List in 2025

Elimination of HPV cancers beginning with cervical cancer as a public health concern has served as a rallying cry to catalyze efforts to increase HPV vaccination coverage, increase cervical cancer screening rates, and increase delivery of timely follow-up care and treatment since the World Health Organization (WHO) first announced this ambitious goal. We have seen several countries develop elimination goals and implement elimination plans to achieve the WHO benchmarks. Alabama was first in the U.S. to introduce Operation Wipe Out as an elimination plan for the state. Several other states are convening thought leaders and subject matter experts to explore similar plans for their states. Some states, such as Florida, have an elimination goal as part of the state comprehensive cancer control plan. In addition, the ACS National Roundtables on HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer have convened a working group to introduce a U.S. plan. As part of the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast, we have been working on a regional plan to include 12 states and two jurisdictions. Read more about the current state of elimination efforts here. Join us as we add HPV cancer elimination to our lists for 2025 and work to eliminate HPV cancers beginning with cervical cancer as a public health concern.

As we gather with family and friends over the next month and during respiratory virus season, many of them may not be vaccinated. They may not have had a seasonal flu vaccine (recommended for everyone 6 months and older by the end of October), COVID vaccine/booster (everyone 6 months and older), and/or RSV vaccine. Conversations about vaccinations do not have to be hard -- vaccinations are safe and work to save lives. This helpful guide from Tennessee Families for Vaccines offers suggestions to help make these conversations easier.

I know I am getting long-winded here in our last newsletter of the year. However, I want to share a few final thoughts for your consideration. As we consider uncertainties in support for vaccinations on the horizon, it is more important now than perhaps ever for us to remain steadfast in our promotion and delivery of vaccinations, which have prevented untold millions of vaccine-preventable diseases and saved untold millions of lives in the U.S. and globally.

Since St. Jude Children's Research Hospital opened its doors in 1962, scientists have led the effort to fight catastrophic and largely incurable childhood diseases based on a belief that outcomes-based research will one day lead to cures for, and in some cases prevent, these intractable diseases. This adherence to rigorous and effective scientific methods has led to tremendous advances in support of the St. Jude vision that no child should die in the dawn of life. Scientific discovery is at the core of what researchers at St. Jude continue to do each day in support of this effort.

As a research hospital, St. Jude supports public health policies that are driven by documented outcomes. The use of safe and effective vaccines, and the use of other outcomes-based therapies to fight diseases, has helped contribute to an incredible standard of living in the U.S. St. Jude will continue to support public health policies based on documented and verified scientific methods and outcomes. These policies not only support the work we do on behalf of curing our childhood patients, but they continue to support their chances of living long and healthy lives as adult survivors of catastrophic childhood diseases. This also extends to the value of vaccinations in preventing diseases and saving lives. It will take all of us, working together, to confront these forces seeking to undermine confidence and disrupt gains.

Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year!

Why does round pizza come in a square box? Kids Aren't Thinking About HPV

Kids are asking these types of questions, not about HPV. The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s national public awareness campaign "Their Future is in Your Hands" focuses on this simple yet powerful truth: Kids aren't thinking about HPV vaccination and that's why parents need to. We know HPV vaccination protects children from six types of cancer in adulthood. HPV is common and preventable, affecting nearly everyone at some point. Prioritize HPV vaccination between ages 9 and 12 for maximum effectiveness. Choosing HPV vaccination can lead to an HPV cancer free future for children.

Visit the campaign webpage at stjude.org/preventHPV and follow us on Facebook.

Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

November 21 was National Rural Health Day. To commemorate this day, the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program held its quarterly updates meeting and sent a special communication with information on the state of rural HPV vaccination.

The most recent quarterly updates meeting featured Sara Dillard, Communications Director of the Indiana Immunization Coalition, who presented on “Working Together to Reframe Medical Freedom” through We The People Vax, which is a patriotic-inspired campaign designed to reach audiences who value patriotism. Additionally, Deanna Kepka, PhD, Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Mountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition discussed efforts to improve HPV vaccination coverage in the Mountain West through collaborative efforts. Access the unedited recording of the quarterly updates meeting here.

In the special communication, current data and information on HPV vaccination were shared in addition to St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program resources.

Website: stjude.org/hpvrural
Preventing HPV Cancers in Rural Communities fact sheet
Wide Open Spaces articles are available at stjude.org/hpvrural – read the latest article here
January 2023: St. Jude Rural HPV Vaccination Introductory Meeting recording
Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities: Quarterly Updates and Opportunities
November 2023 quarterly updates recording and newsletter
February 2024 quarterly updates recording and newsletter
May 2024 quarterly updates recording and newsletter
August 2024 quarterly updates recording and newsletter
November 2024 quarterly updates recording (unedited) and newsletter

International HPV Awareness Day 2024: Rural Reach: Accelerating HPV Vaccination Coverage recording and slides

Join our efforts to improve rural HPV vaccination coverage.

Visit the Preventing HPV Cancers in Rural Communities website at stjude.org/hpvrural or sign up here to receive the latest information on our rural HPV coverage efforts. Email PreventHPV@stjude.org with any questions.

Wide Open Spaces: Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities

Advancing Health Equity Through the "Why Age 9" Campaign: A Collaborative Effort in the Nebraska Panhandle

By: Jessica Davies, MPH

In the Panhandle region of Nebraska, which is a rural and frontier area of western Nebraska, a robust initiative is underway to promote HPV vaccination through the "Why Age 9" campaign. This campaign is not only addressing critical public health priorities but also showcasing the power of strategic partnerships, tailored communication, and community engagement to improve health outcomes.

Learn more about this project here.

About the Author: Jessica Davies, MPH, has recently been named the Health Director of Panhandle Public Health District, following her role as Assistant Health Director. She brings over 21 years of dedicated service to the rural Nebraska Panhandle. Davies holds a master's in public health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health. She has led initiatives to improve community health, foster organizational wellness, advance equity, and expand vaccine access throughout her career. She is skilled in implementing evidence-based strategies to prevent chronic disease and enhance quality of life in rural areas. Additionally, Davies excels in communications, with expertise in developing strategies tailored to the unique needs of rural communities.

We invite guest contributors to share information on how they are working to improve HPV vaccination in rural areas. If you are interested in contributing or learning more about our efforts to improve HPV vaccination with rural communities, please email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org.

HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast

The Southeast Roundtable continues to work on three priority actions to improve HPV vaccination across the region and plan for the virtual annual meeting in January. Check out what has been happening and join us.

Communication: Develop and implement a communication campaign and messages for the Southeastern region

Join us on December 10 from 12-1 pm Central Time to learn about the new communication campaign of the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast. The campaign kickoff event will review the development of the campaign and show you how to use the resources to promote HPV vaccination in your community beginning in January 2025. If you are unable to attend live, register to receive a link to view the recording later. Register at https://tinyurl.com/SERTkickoff.

Learn about the development process, gain insight into the campaign concept, and take a first look at campaign materials in a special communication available here.

Elimination: Develop and disseminate a plan for HPV cancer elimination in the Southeast, beginning with cervical cancer as a public health problem

To address the elimination priority, the implementation team continues to develop a regional elimination plan for the Southeast. This plan aims to garner support and drive action to improve HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and cervical cancer treatment, with a focus on eliminating HPV cancers, starting with cervical cancer as a public health problem. Recent efforts include the distribution of a needs assessment to better understand the elimination landscape in the Southeast. The survey has closed, and responses are being summarized. The second phase involves conducting interviews with survey respondents and other subject matter experts. We plan to draft both a regional elimination plan and toolkit by December 2024.

Global Cervical Elimination Day of Action was recognized on November 17, and the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program partnered with Cervivor on a number of Cervivor-led events, including a day of action at Faith Life Ministries in Slidell, LA, a Cervivor blog post, Educate to Eliminate: Amplifying the Global Call to End Cervical Cancer - Cervivor and an elimination focused podcast featuring Dr. Trisha Amboree at MUSC, Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action with Dr. Trisha L. Amboree by Cervivor Podcast.

Start at Age 9: Accelerate efforts to start HPV vaccination at age 9

To address the start at age 9 priority, the implementation team continues to work on developing and disseminating targeted messaging to key partners and health care providers to drive improved knowledge of the benefits of starting HPV vaccination at age 9 and encourage initiation of HPV vaccination at age 9. The implementation team is reviewing resources on starting HPV vaccination at age 9 to share with Southeast providers, including a great video from the ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable. If you have a resource it to PreventHPV@stjude.org.

The Southeast Roundtable will host its 2025 annual meeting virtually on January 21, 22, and 23 from 10 a.m.-noon Central Time. Register for one or all three of the meetings – and we hope you will join us for all three. We have so much to share and so much to learn and do to improve HPV cancer prevention across the region.

The agenda for each day of the annual meeting will be focused on one of the three priority actions of the Southeast Roundtable: 1) regional communication campaign, 2) elimination of HPV cancers starting with cervical cancer as a public health problem, and 3) starting HPV vaccination at age 9.

January 21: Communication

January 22: Elimination

January 23: Age 9

Each day, the two-hour meeting will begin with a review of accomplishments over the past year and future plans followed by lightning talks delivered by subject matter experts to revisit potential opportunities for the Southeast Roundtable to consider for 2025. Then, moderated breakout sessions will allow for discussion about the selected priority action and possible next steps as well as consider other possible priority actions to be explored. Specific agendas for each day with confirmed speakers will be released before the end of 2024.

Empowering and Strengthening Community, Culture and Connection to Prevent HPV Cancers Seminar Series

The Empowering and Strengthening Community, Culture, and Connection to Prevent HPV Cancers virtual seminar series was created to explore disparities in HPV vaccination and HPV cancers among various racial and ethnic groups and discuss strategies to improve HPV vaccination coverage to prevent HPV cancers.

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has hosted 3 seminars in this series

Beyond the Numbers: Understanding HPV Vaccination and HPV Cancer Disparities among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Vacunación Sin Barreras: Addressing HPV Vaccination Inequities and HPV Cancer Disparities in Hispanic and Latino Communities

Empowering American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Bridging Gaps in HPV Vaccination and Cancer Prevention

Our next seminar will be held during Black History Month on February 20 from noon to 1:15 p.m. Central Time and will focus on addressing HPV vaccination inequities and HPV cancer disparities experienced by African American and Black communities across the U.S. Disparities in HPV-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs are well-documented within African American and Black communities. However, there is a critical need for further understanding of the variability in HPV vaccination coverage and overall HPV cancer incidence to inform intervention efforts. Overall incidence of HPV cancers is lower among African American and Black populations compared to the national average. However, when it comes to cervical cancer, individuals with a cervix who identify as African American and Black show slightly higher incidence rates and much higher mortality rates than the national average. This is only the beginning of the conversation. The seminar will highlight ways to improve equity in African American and Black communities, Register to join us for this important and timely conversation here.

36th International Papillomavirus Conference

The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVC 2024), held in Edinburgh, Scotland, brought together leading researchers, clinicians, and health professionals worldwide to discuss the latest scientific advancements and strategies in addressing papillomaviruses and their associated diseases. The conference served as a platform to share cutting-edge research, explore innovative public health initiatives, and collaborate on strategies for combating HPV cancers.

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program shared two poster presentations describing multi-level strategies employed by the program to reach underserved populations with low HPV vaccination rates and high incidence of HPV cancers and the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group and outlined recommendations for improving vaccination rates in this population.

Our program director, Heather Brandt, PhD, moderated a panel on enhancing communication surrounding HPV vaccination information, emphasizing the importance of clear, culturally sensitive messaging. Several program partners from across the United States also presented their groundbreaking work, demonstrating the power of collaboration in improving HPV vaccination and cancer prevention efforts.

It was inspiring and motivating to support Tamika Felder, founder of Cervivor, Inc., and her colleagues Morgan Newman and Kimberly Williams, Jason Mendelsohn of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, and Lillian Kreppel of the HPV Cancers Alliance. Together, they led a session focused on increasing awareness and advocacy for HPV cancers, inspiring attendees with their passion and commitment to public health and cancer survivorship. IPVC 2024 underscored the critical importance of global collaboration in the fight against HPV cancers.

Increasing HPV Vaccination among Childhood Cancer Survivors through the Survivor Proud Campaign

On November 19, the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Engagement team along with members of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program team set up an informational table to roll out the Survivor Proud campaign for patients and families outside the Kay Kafe on the St. Jude campus. Team members shared information about the importance of the HPV vaccination for childhood cancer survivors as well as giving away Survivor Proud swag items.

The Survivor Proud campaign—a communication initiative—was developed to improve HPV vaccination rates among childhood cancer survivors at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This project is funded in part from an administrative supplement provided by the National Cancer Institute. Childhood cancer survivors are at high risk of developing HPV-related second cancers as adults, yet their HPV vaccination rates remain lower than for general population This campaign is designed to build confidence in HPV vaccination and empower childhood cancer survivors to take control of their health.

Survivor Proud is a culturally targeted, multi-channel effort that will reach childhood cancer survivors through various platforms, including web-based resources, social media, the St. Jude mobile application, traditional print formats, electronic medical record prompts, and peer-to-peer patient family experiences.

The campaign's primary focus is to build confidence in HPV vaccination by leveraging the trusted relationship childhood cancer survivors have with oncology treatment teams at St. Jude. By providing accurate information and resources, the project aims to increase the likelihood of childhood cancer survivors seeking HPV vaccination to prevent HPV cancers.

Learn more about HPV vaccination among childhood cancer survivors here. Search “HPV” on together.stjude.org for additional information about HPV vaccination for childhood cancer survivors.

Partner Activities and Updates

Louisiana

Cervical cancer elimination goals and planning are becoming a reality for Louisiana. The Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Program hosted the Louisiana Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit on November 14 in New Orleans. This summit was an excellent networking opportunity and provided valuable insights into the potential for eliminating cervical cancer in the state. During the meeting, several speakers shared their expertise. Xiao-Cheng Wu, PhD, the Director of the Louisiana Tumor Registry, presented on “Together We Can: Building a Cervical Cancer-Free Future in Louisiana.” His presentation included an overview of cervical cancer, along with statistics and HPV vaccination rates in the state. Following Wu, Bilikisu “Reni” Elewonibi, PhD, discussed “Addressing Cervical Cancer in Louisiana: Collaborative Initiatives.” In her presentation, Isabel Scarinci, PhD, shared the roadmap for Operation Wipe Out in Alabama and explored how the plan could be implemented in Louisiana with the right collaborators. Attendees had the chance to brainstorm and develop ideas to help eliminate cervical cancer in the state. This summit was just the first step. Stay tuned to see what initiatives unfold in Louisiana.

Tennessee

The Gift of Vaccines: A Vaccine Advocate Lunch and Learn

The Tennessee Families for Vaccines, supported by the Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable, invites vaccine champions in the Chattanooga and Hamilton County area on December 7 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, for an in-person event promising to be fun and informative with plenty of fellowship and food. The event will address legislative advocacy, countering mis- and dis- information, and vaccination policy in Tennessee. This free event is open to the community to set a foundation for advocacy in future legislative sessions. Register here.

Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee

The Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable remains focused on advancing key strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates in our community. Check out the highlights from recent initiatives and see how you can be involved!

Empowering Conversations: Enhancing HPV Vaccination Uptake with the Announcement Approach

On November 14, the Memphis Roundtable, in partnership with the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (TNAAP), hosted Empowering Conversations: Enhancing HPV Vaccination Uptake with the Announcement Approach, a clinical educational dinner. This event aimed to equip local health care providers with effective strategies to promote timely HPV vaccination and prevent HPV cancers. The session introduced the Announcement Approach, an evidence-based intervention to promote presumptive provider recommendations and to facilitate clear, confident conversations about vaccination. Over 20 local health care professionals attended, gaining valuable training on leading the Announcement Approach to enhance HPV vaccination coverage in the community. To learn more about the Announcement Approach, click here.

Sixth Annual Pediatric Advanced Practice Provider Conference

On November 15, the Memphis Roundtable, in partnership with the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program team, sponsored the Sixth Annual Pediatric Advanced Practice Provider Conference: Best Practice, Best Care. Hosted by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center - College of Nursing, and the Blues City Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, this unique conference focused on best practices for nurse practitioners and physician assistants who care for pediatric patients. We had the valuable opportunity to promote HPV vaccination and share educational materials with nearly 50 nurse practitioners and physician assistants in attendance, supporting our mission to improve HPV cancer prevention in our community. To learn more about the Pediatric Advanced Practice Provider Conference, click here to visit their website.

Upcoming Virtual Seminar: Making HPV Vaccination Accessible

The Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable invites you to join our upcoming virtual seminar, Making HPV Vaccination Accessible, on February 11, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. Central Time. This event will focus on innovative strategies and best practices for delivering HPV vaccination in alternative care settings, such as schools, pharmacies, and mobile clinics. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and collaborate! Register here.

Join the Memphis Roundtable
To learn more about the Memphis Roundtable, please visit stjude.org/memphis-roundtable. Read the Memphis Roundtable October e-communication here.

Additional Partner Updates

American Academy of Pediatrics’ Practice Vaccination Conversations in Free Virtual Simulation

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has launched a free, 30-minute virtual reality training course, in partnership with Bodyswaps, to help pediatricians and their team members have more effective vaccination conversations.

“Increasing Immunization Confidence” is an immersive and interactive learning module where you join a virtual pediatric clinic and engage in vaccination scenarios with parents who are hesitant about vaccinating their children and adolescents. With virtual coaching that follows and adapts to your progress, you will increase your understanding of:

Establishing a culture that promotes vaccination confidence

Opening the conversation with a strong recommendation using the presumptive format

Responding with empathy to concerns about immunization using motivational interviewing

Tailoring your communication to different individuals and situations

Included in the module is a refresher on infection prevention and control for clinical settings. Learn more and register on the AAP Bodyswaps partner website Here.

International Papillomavirus Society One Less Worry Campaign 2025

The International Papillomavirus Society is preparing for the One Less Worry Campaign 2025 and looking for young people who have an HPV story to tell to get involved. The International Papillomavirus Society is requesting one-minute testimonial videos that are ‘selfie-style’ on the mobile phone where people tell their story (told in their native language) with a call to action focusing particularly on HPV vaccination. To guide the process, Testimonial Storytelling Guide is available to follow, which includes essential messages and calls to action. Submit HPV videos and photos to hpvday@kenes.com.

Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians as Cancer Prevention Champions Program

The American Cancer Society is seeking Texas pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to join a two-part learning series focused on providing current HPV vaccination information, strategies to increase awareness of HPV vaccination and tools to increase utilization of evidence-based interventions to increase HPV vaccination in pharmacies.

The next session is on December 12, noon - 1 p.m. Central Time, Topic: HPV Evidence Based Interventions & Immunization Based Champions, Register here.

Seventh Annual HPV Prevention Week, January 27-31

The Seventh Annual HPV Prevention Week shines a light on the importance of combating HPV through a multifaceted approach. This year’s theme focuses on driving progress in HPV prevention by promoting equitable access to vaccines, leveraging advancements in medical research, and harnessing innovative technologies for early detection and treatment. Join us as we empower communities, elevate awareness, and work towards a future free from HPV cancers, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health equity. Register here.

Team Question

Another year is upon us and it's time to start thinking about our hopes and dreams for 2025. We are all putting elimination of HPV cancers beginning with cervical cancer as a public health concern on our lists. In addition, here we share major goals for the New Year.

“One of my major goals for the new year is to allocate more time and space for my passions— gardening, traveling, journaling, painting, and more—throughout the hecticness of life.” – Shanteise Bonds, student assistant

“My goals for the new year are to visit my favorite people and places more often.” - Julia Brown, program manager

“One of my major goals for the new year is to deepen my involvement in the community. Whether through volunteering or supporting local organizations, I want to dedicate more time and energy to giving back. Being part of a strong, engaged community has always inspired me, and I’m eager to find new ways to contribute and grow alongside those around me.” – Penelope Burns, student assistant

“One of my main goals is to continue growing and striving to be the best version of myself. I also want to spend more time with my family and friends, cherishing every moment and never taking it for granted.”– Portia Knowlton, program coordinator

“My major goals for the new year are to complete my ongoing projects and submit manuscripts for publication, as well as expand my professional collaborations and opportunities. At the same time, I also plan to focus on my health and get more involved in physical activities.” - Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow

“Next year, I want to focus on making healthier choices for my mental and physical health.” – Karlisa Cryer, medical content writer

“My goal is to have a healthier lifestyle and to travel more.” - Ursula Leflore, senior administrative coordinator

“In 2025 I am looking forward to strengthening my quantitative research skills and reading more non-fiction books.” – Maddy McNee, program coordinator

“In the upcoming year, one of my primary goals is to spend more quality time with my aging uncles and aunts by calling at least once a month and visiting them quarterly, ensuring I cherish our time together while I still have the opportunity.” – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director

“One of my primary goals for the new year is to earn a Project Management Program (PMP) certification.” – Akeria Taylor, program coordinator

“I am still thinking about my goals for 2025, but I know the goals will include prioritizing my health and well-being and also working on my own personal and professional growth, development, and performance while supporting others in achieving their goals too.” - Heather Brandt, director

Get Free St. Jude HPV Education Materials

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has created a series of HPV fact sheets that emphasize basic information about HPV vaccination and include action steps to prevent HPV cancers.

Four versions of the fact sheets target various audiences:

General public
Parents
Health care providers
Cancer patients and families

 
Select the versions in English or Spanish most appropriate for those you serve. Download the fact sheets or email PreventHPV@stjude.org to have copies mailed to you.

About St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. That’s why St. Jude is raising awareness on vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), which can prevent six types of cancer caused by the virus. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, St. Jude has an important role and responsibility in increasing the number of children who benefit from the HPV vaccine and reducing their risk of preventable cancers later in life.

On-time HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against the most common types of HPV linked to cancers. HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12 years and may be started at age 9. HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 9-26. It’s not too late to catch up on HPV vaccination. People ages 27-45 are also strongly encouraged to talk with a health care provider to see if HPV vaccination is right for them.

HPV vaccination has been routinely recommended by health care professionals in the U.S. since 2006. Most children can receive an HPV vaccine at no cost, and it can be administered safely along with other routine vaccinations. With more than 500 million doses administered worldwide, HPV vaccines are preventing new cases of cancer every day.

It’s not too late to help protect your child against HPV cancers later in life - learn more at stjude.org/PreventHPV and ask your doctor about HPV vaccination today. Email PreventHPV@stjude.org with any questions.