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

A Letter from the Director
A Future Free of HPV Cancers Starts with You
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
Release of 2021 U.S. Cancer Statistics: HPV Cancer Trends
Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage
Wide Open Spaces: Encouraging HPV Vaccination among Young Adults in the Catch-up Age
HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast
Protecting Childhood Cancer Survivors from HPV Cancers in Adulthood
Surviving and Thriving: Jennifer Nagy, Cervical Cancer Survivor
Inaugural Health Fair of the 52nd Quadrennial General Conference of the AME Zion Church
Partner Spotlight: ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable
Partner Activities and Updates
Additional Partner Updates
Current and Upcoming Events
Team Question
Get Free St. Jude HPV Education Materials
Previous St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program Monthly E-newsletters
About the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

A Letter from the Director

While we all await the 2023 NIS-Teen data, which are scheduled to be released later this month or soon thereafter, we know our work to prevent HPV cancers through HPV vaccination remains timely and important. This is the time of year when there are the most opportunities to promote on-time HPV vaccination and ensure children are vaccinated. Take advantage of the many resources described in this month’s Path to Prevention newsletter to help in your efforts.

I also want to draw your attention to the HPV cancer elimination efforts being conducted by the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast. Earlier this year, the Southeast Roundtable identified eliminating HPV cancers, beginning with cervical cancer as a public health problem, as one of three top priorities for the region. As part of this participatory process, we invite you to complete and share an HPV cancer elimination survey as part of these efforts focused on elimination. Access the survey here through August 30. Learn more about elimination efforts in this recent Southeast Roundtable communication here and in this new fact sheet here.

We hope we may see many of you at the National Immunization Conference later this month. We will be there presenting several posters. Please say hello. We look forward to learning from the work of vaccination champions and then putting what we learn into action.

As always, the newsletter includes updates on major programs and initiatives as well as partner activities and updates. If you have anything you would like for us to share, please email us at preventHPV@stjude.org.

It’s back-to-school time – and some children have already started classes. This is the time of the year when most children are vaccinated to protect them against HPV cancers when they are older. The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program public awareness campaign continues to roll out resources in support of on-time HPV vaccination. Watch for more social media posts across Facebook and Instagram and also new posts on the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program Facebook page.

Schedule an HPV vaccination reminder: The campaign website includes a schedule reminder to help parents, caregivers, and those who make vaccination decisions for children to keep children on schedule for HPV vaccination. Anyone can enter an email address, cell phone number, and child’s birthday to receive a prompt to schedule HPV vaccination.

Healthcare provider resources and testimonials: Recommendations from trusted providers are the primary reason why parents choose HPV vaccination for their child. The campaign includes resources for healthcare providers and also the opportunity for healthcare providers and professionals to submit testimonials in support of HPV vaccination.

Educational resources promoting HPV vaccination as cancer prevention:

Check out more campaign resources at stjude.org/preventHPV and follow us on Facebook.

August 2024 is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), a time of year to emphasize the significance of vaccinations for people of all ages. This yearly observance aims to raise awareness and inform individuals about the vital role vaccinations play in preventing illnesses and deaths. Parents and patients may be unsure what vaccines they need. These short, quick quizzes can give them a list of vaccines based on their answers. Take the adult vaccination quiz and childhood vaccination quiz.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to routinely recommended vaccinations for children, as these vaccinations fell significantly during this period. Studies indicate that different interventions and communications should be tailored to educate parents about COVID-19, influenza, HPV, and routine childhood vaccinations due to varying levels of hesitancy. While monthly measles-containing and HPV vaccine orders have shown recovery, significant deficits remain, particularly in publicly funded vaccine doses and HPV ordering in rural counties. This underscores the urgent need for targeted efforts to address these gaps and ensure comprehensive protection for all children.

All staff in healthcare practices, including non-clinical staff, play important roles during NIAM:

Engage in learning opportunities with CDC’s Immunization Education and Training courses.
Make your practice a supportive space that welcomes vaccine questions and concerns from patients and parents.
Use proven strategies to encourage parents and patients to stay up to date on vaccinations.
Make immunization schedules easy for parents and patients to find by displaying them on your website.
Use tools like PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor Mobile App to help you make vaccine recommendations.
Share clear and accurate information about the latest vaccine recommendations, including COVID-19 vaccines and RSV vaccines.

Lastly, when it comes to HPV vaccination, be sure to take advantage of resources available through the ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable and St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program.

Release of 2021 U.S. Cancer Statistics: HPV Cancer Trends

The CDC and NCI recently updated the U.S. Cancer Statistics, which are the official federal cancer statistics for the United States. These statistics provide information about new cancer cases (incidence) and cancer deaths in the U.S. population. The data come from CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries NCPR and NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.

The 2021 data submission, released in June 2024, includes new cancer cases diagnosed in 2020 and 2021, the first and second years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic disrupted health services, resulting in delays and reductions in cancer screenings and diagnoses.

In 2021, the United States reported 1,777,566 new cases of invasive cancer. For all cancers combined, the incidence in 2021 was 439 per 100,000 standard population. To access the data brief, click here. The data for 2021, the second year of the pandemic, shows that the incidence of all cancers combined was 439 per 100,000 standard population, which is higher than in 2020 but lower than in the years 2017 to 2019.

In the 2021 cancer incidence report, HPV cancers data shows that the states with the highest rates of HPV cancer incidence are: West Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Additionally, the states with the highest rates of cervical cancer cases are Oklahoma, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Kentucky, and Louisiana.

Furthermore, in 2021, the rate of HPV cancer cases among individuals identifying as American Indian, Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic exceeded the rate for individuals identifying as white and non-Hispanic.

Cancer rates can change from year to year due to factors like changes in screening test use, diagnostic practices, and treatment. When it comes to HPV cancers, we know that 90% of these cancers can be prevented with on-time HPV vaccination and almost all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented with recommended screening, follow-up care, and treatment. These annual data serve as an important reminder about the urgency of our work to ensure we do all we can to prevent HPV cancers.

Access the U.S. Cancer Statistics data visualization tool here.

Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

Quarterly Updates Meeting: August 21
The quarterly updates meeting on efforts to improve rural HPV vaccination coverage will take place on August 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. The event will feature a presentation by Jason Semprini, PhD, postdoctoral scholar at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. Dr. Semprini's research provides the first analysis of HPV cancer data from 2015 to 2020, building on the Zahnd et al. publication from 2018, which reviewed cancer registry data from 1995 to 2013. Sara Lolley, MPH, program manager of Immunization Initiatives at the American Academy of Pediatrics, will also join the meeting to share updates on the American Academy of Pediatrics communication campaign aimed at improving HPV vaccination rates in rural communities. Additionally, our St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program will highlight the latest developments regarding six priority action steps for enhancing rural HPV vaccination coverage.

Register here.

Wide Open Spaces: Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities

Encouraging HPV Vaccination among Young Adults in the Catch-up Age

HPV vaccination is crucial for preventing HPV cancers, yet vaccination rates among young adults, particularly in rural areas, remain low. The CDC recommends unvaccinated young adults aged 18-26 receive three doses of HPV vaccination. However, baseline analyses of data from federally qualified health center partners—Community Health Centers of South Central Texas and Community Health Network—revealed very low HPV vaccination rates among their young adult patients.

The University of Houston-Downtown is addressing HPV cancer disparities in rural Texas with a comprehensive, multi-level strategy supported by a three-year grant from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas.

Read more about this project here.

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 three priority actions for the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast – communication, elimination, and starting HPV vaccination at age 9 – continue to move forward.

The communication group has established a contract with a communication agency and is moving forward with planning to release the regionally-focused campaign in January 2025.

The age 9 group also is moving forward with healthcare provider training to emphasize the importance of starting HPV vaccination conversations, recommendations, and administration at age 9. In September, the age 9 group is holding a virtual training program for healthcare providers. If you have a recommendation for a healthcare provider to join this training, please email PreventHPV@stjude.org.

As mentioned in the introduction to the August 2024 newsletter, the elimination group has launched a survey to explore and better understand the landscape and context of elimination planning in the Southeast. Much more needs to be known about the landscape of elimination planning, practices, and policies in the Southeast. Understanding current and anticipated elimination policy activities will help identify existing gaps and areas of opportunity. You are invited to complete the survey to describe the elimination landscape. Access the survey here. The survey will be open until August 30.

The elimination group also has two resources available on elimination.

Elimination Fact Sheet: Access detailed information about our elimination efforts, key statistics, and the impact of HPV vaccination. Access here.
Achieving Cervical Cancer Elimination in the Southeast (June 6, 2024) Recording: If you missed the training session, you can watch the full recording to catch up on the latest elimination plans and best practices for HPV cancer elimination. Access here.

Protecting Childhood Cancer Survivors from HPV Cancers in Adulthood

Over the past year, the Survivor Proud campaign—a new communication initiative—has been in development 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. We have collaborated closely with subject matter experts and patient family advisers to understand the unique needs and concerns of childhood cancer survivors. Through discussion groups and a comprehensive survey of patient families, we gathered invaluable insights that were provided to an external communication agency to develop the Survivor Proud campaign concept.

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, we aim to increase the likelihood of childhood cancer survivors seeking HPV vaccination to prevent HPV cancers. We are proud of childhood cancer survivors – they are Survivor Proud.

We look forward to sharing more about the Survivor Proud campaign with you during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

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

Surviving and Thriving: Jennifer Nagy, Cervical Cancer Survivor

In 2008, at 32 years old and newly married to husband Todd for just two years, Jennifer Nagy’s life was filled with meaningful moments. Between managing a busy work schedule, learning to be a stepmom to 5-year-old Brock, and focusing on family and health, everything seemed to be falling into place. However, her world was upended when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer shortly after suffering an acute stroke in May.

Despite her busy life, she had been putting off her cervical cancer screening, overwhelmed by ongoing medical visits with neurology. Thankfully, her longtime friend Susie urged her to schedule the appointment, knowing that her role at the American Cancer Society and her advocacy for cancer screenings meant she couldn’t delay it.

In July 2008, what was expected to be a routine cervical cancer screening became devastating news. Jennifer received a call at work confirming her cervical cancer diagnosis. The shock, anger, and tears were overwhelming, but she resolved to fight and remain hopeful.

Facing a tough decision with Todd, she opted for a full hysterectomy, leaving only her ovaries. They had hoped to have their own children, but cervical cancer threatened that dream. On November 11, 2008, a skilled gynecological oncologist performed the surgery, removing both the cancer and her uterus. By the end of 2008, she also closed a hole in her heart that had triggered the stroke, and she was declared cancer-free. Embracing the motto, “I will be fine in ‘09!,” she moved forward with renewed purpose.

Today, Jennifer is 16 years cancer-free and an even more passionate advocate for cancer screening and HPV cancer prevention. Her journey led her to discover the HPV Cancer Survivor School, a resource she found while searching online. Ready to use her voice to make a difference, she embraced the opportunity to connect with other survivors and share her story.

HPV Cancer Survivors School offered a unique experience, focusing on personal stories rather than professional work. It provided a platform to network, share experiences, and build confidence to advocate more effectively for cervical cancer patients and HPV vaccination. Since then, Jennifer has met with local representatives and senators in Michigan, advocated for cervical cancer awareness, and secured a proclamation for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Van Buren Township, Michigan in January 2022.

Her advocacy extends to webinars, community groups, and collaboration with health systems in Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Jennifer strives to simplify information for providers and ensure that HPV vaccination is administered starting at age 9. Her own experience with HPV cancer has driven her to ensure that others do not face similar challenges.

Embracing her journey, she celebrates with the color teal, from the paint on her kitchen walls to teal clothing and accessories. She even got a tattoo to symbolize strength, hope, and her ongoing journey. Her message to everyone is clear: HPV vaccination is a crucial tool in cancer prevention, potentially eliminating cervical cancer and preventing five other types of cancers.

Jennifer urges everyone to get vaccinated, advocates for strong medical professional recommendations, and encourages survivors to advocate. She advises newly diagnosed patients to contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for support. For more information on HPV and cancer prevention, Jennifer recommends the ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable.

Inaugural Health Fair of the 52nd Quadrennial General Conference of the AME Zion Church

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program participated in the inaugural Health Fair at the 52nd Quadrennial General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church held in Greensboro, North Carolina in July. This prestigious event, organized by a denomination renowned for its profound impact on social justice, education, and community empowerment, provided a vital platform for promoting health and wellness.

The AME Zion Church has long stood as a beacon of inspiration within the African American community, championing spiritual development and social change. Its Office of Health Ministry, which oversees the operations of the Public Health Director’s Office, plays a crucial role in addressing the public health needs of the church's members. We are proud to share that their mission to enhance the well-being of their communities aligns seamlessly with our goals, creating a powerful synergy in our efforts.

This year’s Health Fair theme, "Engaging Communities: Increasing Awareness and Improving Self-Advocacy," was a testament to the commitment to fostering better health outcomes. With approximately 1,000 conference attendees and 600 participants at the Health Fair, the event was a significant opportunity for us to share valuable educational resources.

HPV cancer prevention is a critical issue within African American church communities. By providing information and resources, we aimed to empower individuals with knowledge and encourage proactive health practices. For those interested in learning more about the impact of HPV on African American communities and how churches can promote health HPV vaccinations.

We are grateful for the chance to contribute to such an impactful event and look forward to continuing our partnership with the AME Zion Church to promote health and wellness across communities.

Learn more about the 52nd Quadrennial General Conference here.

Partner Spotlight:

ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a proud member of the ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, which has provided critical leadership in preventing HPV cancers in the U.S. Our St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program team members have been involved in many National Roundtable efforts, including as members of the Steering Committee, “Get Back On Track” Committee, Best Practices Task Group, Annual Meeting Planning Committee, Nominations Committee, Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program, and more. It is a pleasure to promote the resources of this organization and continue to contribute as active members – and work with the National Roundtable team. The following quote sums up why our program’s vision of a world free of HPV cancers remains possible.

“For a lot of us, ending cancer is not just a career but a part of our purpose. We are fortunate to work alongside inspirational, innovative, and action-oriented representatives collaborating with one another towards making a difference. We could not do all that we are able to do without our Roundtable members and partners. We truly believe that we can, and we will change the lives of future generations through raising HPV vaccination rates and prevent HPV cancers in the United States.” – Gabrielle Darville-Sanders, PhD, MPH, CHES, strategic director and Christina (Tina) Turpin, director

The ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable is a coalition of public, private, and voluntary organizations with expertise relevant to increasing HPV vaccination rates in the United States to reduce illness and death from HPV cancers, through coordinated leadership and strategic planning. Founded by the CDC and ACS in 2014, the National Roundtable’s power comes from passionate advocates representing survivors, researchers, health systems, providers, and public health leaders, among others. Members contribute expertise and activate their organizations to advance our collective mission.

From its initial launch, the National Roundtable has practiced the belief that by working together over the long term, we can move towards ending vaccine-preventable HPV cancers as a public health problem.

To achieve this, the National Roundtable has developed key initiatives and campaigns, including:

Annual National Meetings
Emerging Leader Fellowship Program
Strategic Committees and Ad Hoc Task Groups
Best and Promising Practices, inclusive of: Start HPV vaccination at age 9 campaign; Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics special collection of research and relevant resources; Evidence summaries, clinical action guides, fact sheets and toolkits; and Best Practices Education Program, Provider Training Series, HPV Rural Learning Community
Convening Events (which include Health Plan Summit, NW Summit, and planning partner of the HPV Roundtable of the Southeast).
Engagement in national and global HPV endeavors, which includes the White House Cervical Cancer Forum, Presidents’ National Cancer Advisory Board, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices HPV Vaccine Workgroup, and International Papillomavirus Society campaign partner.

The National Roundtable is celebrating 10 years this year and will be hosting its annual meeting on October 7-11 from 12-1:30 p.m. ET each day. Visit the annual meeting landing page at 2024 National Meeting - National HPV Roundtable. Register at Webinar Registration - Zoom.

Access the many, exceptional resources of the National Roundtable at hpvroundtable.org, including those mentioned above and more.

Partner Activities and Updates

Alabama

UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (OCOE) Launches new HPV Vaccine Program for Parents and Guardians
On July 13, the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center OCOE team trained 22 local county coordinators and community health workers from Alabama and Mississippi on a new HPV vaccination education program called Wipe Out HPV Cancers. This program is in collaboration with Operation Wipe Out, a partnership that brings together champions from across Alabama to eliminate cervical cancer.

The original Wipe Out HPV Cancers program was developed by Isabel Scarinci, PhD, and colleagues. OCOE worked with Dr. Scarinci to adapt the program for this implementation endeavor. Francine Walton, MPH and Rochelle Wallace, MS facilitated the Wipe Out HPV Cancers program.

The Wipe Out HPV Cancers program includes two sessions. The first session provides an overview of information on HPV, HPV-related cancers, and HPV vaccination. The second session helps participants connect with services such as scheduling HPV vaccination appointments and cervical cancer screenings. Coordinators will also use motivational interviewing skills to identify and address any barriers to vaccination.

For more information about the program, contact Francine Walton at francinerwalton@uabmc.edu.

Arkansas

Immunize Arkansas Summit
Immunize Arkansas is gearing up for the 2024 Immunization Summit. The annual educational event is for immunization leaders and healthcare providers from around Arkansas and the region interested in addressing and improving immunization issues. The event will take place August 9.

Arkansas Chapter of the AAP Podcast
The Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics invited the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program to participate as a guest speaker for the Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics podcast. The aim of the podcast is to discuss efforts and resources to increase HPV vaccination rates. Portia Knowlton, program coordinator in the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, emphasized the importance of not missing opportunities to receive HPV vaccination by having trusted conversations.

To listen to the podcast and learn more, click here.

Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Health: HPV Call to Action
The Tennessee Department of Health has released a document outlining HPV vaccination rates in Tennessee and examining recent trends. It explores the barriers preventing certain populations from vaccinating and highlights the benefits of administering the HPV vaccine to patients at age 9. Additionally, it includes a strong call to action for providers to promote vaccination.

To learn more please visit the website here.

Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
The Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (TNAAP) will be hosting their annual Tennessee State Pediatric Conference from August 16-17 in Franklin, TN. Pediatricians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Residents, and Students from across the state will gather for education, encouragement, and empowerment in the practice of pediatric medicine. This year the focus of the conference will be behavioral health. If you are interested in attending register here.

Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee

HPV Vaccination in Full Bloom: Annual Meeting is September 24
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2024 Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable Annual Meeting, taking place on September 24 at the stunning Memphis Botanic Garden. This year's theme, HPV Vaccination in Full Bloom, beautifully aligns with our venue and our dedicated efforts to promote HPV vaccination. Secure your spot today and join us for this important event! Register here.

To learn more about the Roundtable or join our efforts, please visit stjude.org/memphis-roundtable. Read the Memphis Roundtable July e-communication here.

Additional Partner Updates

Families for Vaccines 2024 State Legislative Recap

On July 23, the Louisiana and the Tennessee chapters of Families for Vaccines held the 2024 State Legislative Recap, an informative event for vaccine advocates and public policy enthusiasts. Hosted by the SAFE Communities Coalition and other pro-vaccine partners, the event featured notable speakers and provided valuable insights into the current landscape of immunization policy.

Speakers included Northe Saunders and Becky Christensen from SAFE Communities Coalition, Brent Ewing from the Association of Immunization Managers, and Maggie Davis from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. LJ Tan from Immunize.org served as the moderator.

Key points discussed at the event included the proposed flat federal funding for immunization programs at $682 million for FY2025. The speakers also highlighted the substantial influence of antivax organizations, such as the Informed Consent Action Network and Children’s Health Defense, which collectively raised over $60 million in 2022 to support their disinformation campaigns.

A significant concern raised was how the antivaccine movement is using state political systems to spread misinformation by placing misleading questions about “medical freedom” and “parental rights” on ballots. They are also challenging the constitutionality of vaccine legislation in courts.

The state policy update revealed that while the anti-vaccine movement has made incremental changes in conservative states, the pro-vaccine movement has become more coordinated, building advocacy cultures and exploring non-traditional partnerships.

Legislative trends discussed included limitations on vaccinated blood, mRNA vaccines, and increasing school exemptions by antivaxxers, while pro-vaccine initiatives focused on creating adult registries, removing non-medical exemptions, and allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines. Other antivaccine trends include ‘discrimination’ in school settings, such as the “Louisiana House splits on vaccine ‘discrimination’ proposals,” and efforts to prevent states from using WHO and CDC recommendations to justify state policy.

Louisiana Families for Vaccines also invited participants to a vaccine policy debrief and planning session on August 19 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can register for this event here.

Cervivor Creating Connections

Building a supportive community, one conversation at a time. Join our monthly virtual support group, "Creating Connections," hosted by fellow cancer patients and survivors. Join the next MeetUp on Tuesday, August 13 at 6 p.m. CT.

Share, listen, and lift each other up. Register here.

Will you be attending the National immunization Conference on August 12-14? We hope to see you there!

The National Immunization Conference (NIC) 2024 is a three-day in-person event, hosted by CDC on August 12-14 in Atlanta, that provides the opportunity for immunization contributors and partners from the public and private sectors to connect. Program content will cover science, policy, education, and implementation issues related to immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.

There will be three poster sessions during the conference. These will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Specific assignments for poster presentations are available here. Members of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program will be presenting posters about our programming and partnership-driven programming.

Learn more about NIC 2024 here.

ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable Annual Meeting

Help the ACS National HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable celebrate its 10-year birthday by participating in the annual meeting under the theme “Celebrate & Innovate: 10 Years.” The virtual meeting will be held daily on October 7-11 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. Join the National Roundtable, members, and supporters for the virtual party to toast 10 years of progress, achievements, and memories and look forward to the opportunities on the horizon. Register here.

2025 National HPV Conference: Abstracts due September 15

The 2025 National HPV Conference on April 15-17, 2025, will bring together professionals from all HPV disciplines and backgrounds to work towards eliminating HPV cancers. This conference is for advocates, community health workers, clinical professionals, policy, health educators, and more. Sign up here to be notified when registration opens. The call for abstracts for the inaugural National HPV Conference is now live and details are available on the website. Submit your abstracts by 8 p.m. Eastern Time on September 15, 2024. Both poster and oral presentations are being accepted.

Team Question

It’s fun to dream on these warm (ok, hot and steamy!) summer days about spending vacation time doing something fun and enjoyable. Members of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program team decided to dream about planning any vacation without a budget.

“I would travel to Hawaii for an entire summer and explore the islands’ beautiful beaches, waterfalls, rainforest, and volcanoes. I could not allow summer to end without enjoying the cultural delights – hula dancing, hiking, surfing, swimming, and delicious cuisine.” – Shanteise Bonds, student assistant

“If I could go on a vacation without limits, I would travel to Greece because I have always been really interested in Greek history and mythology.” - Julia Brown, program manager

“I would want to travel to Bali to experience its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical landscapes, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Exploring Bali's ancient temples, indulging in its delicious cuisine, and immersing myself in its rich traditions would make for an unforgettable travel experience.” – Penelope Burns, student assistant

“I would tour the Caribbean with my family for one month. We would choose luxurious resorts, enjoying being pampered and relaxing.” – Portia Knowlton, program coordinator

“I would travel to Maldives and explore the beautiful beaches. I have read and seen videos about crystal clear turquoise water, white sand, and fun water activities in Maldives.” - Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow

“I’d wait till the World Cup comes around and attended every game with guys, have the best seats in stadiums, and meet the players.” – Khalid Khalafalla, student assistant

“I would go to Santorini and explore volcanic beaches and hang out on the beaches and sail the Catamaran.“ – Ursula Leflore, administrative specialist

“I would go visit my kids in Bozeman, Montana, Davenport, Florida, and Seattle, Washington.” – Lori Lindgren, program coordinator

“I would choose Côte d'Ivoire for its vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes, and I would love to live there for six months to immerse myself fully in the local experience.” – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director

“If I could plan any vacation without a budget, I would travel to the Amalfi Coast in Italy for at least a month. I would spend most of my days on a yacht.” – Akeria Taylor, program coordinator

“I’d bike from Memphis to Puerto Montt, Chile, exploring diverse landscapes, cultures, and landmarks, culminating in Patagonian adventures.” – Cristóbal Valdebenito, program coordinator

“I would get started with The Ultimate World Cruise on Royal Caribbean. This around-the-world cruise is done in four segments totaling 275 days and includes visits to all seven continents, eight world wonders, and more than 60 countries. I would start with the Americas and make my way through the other segments. The Americas segment includes 38 destinations over 65 days. It would truly be the trip of a lifetime! - 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. The vaccine is most effective when started at age 9 and completed by the 13th birthday, but it’s recommended for everyone through age 26 and for some people through age 45.

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.