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

Zero.

That's the number of cervical cancer cases reported in Scotland among women given the HPV vaccine at 12-13 years of age emphasizing the latest confirmation of HPV vaccination’s phenomenal success. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, concludes that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the development of cervical cancer. This article offers additional evidence demonstrating the tremendous cancer prevention potential of HPV vaccination. Another day, more evidence. What is stopping people from getting vaccinated? That is what all of us are working to change.

This month, during Black History Month, there will be important, deserved celebration and recognition of people who are Black and African American in the United States. When it comes to contributions to HPV cancer prevention, there is no one person more responsible for our ability to get to “zero” than Henrietta Lacks. And, of course, there are so many others, including Dr. May Edward Chin whom we acknowledge in this month’s newsletter. Our intentional, targeted efforts today to ensure all children are vaccinated will aid in preventing HPV cancers for everyone.

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.

February is Black History Month: Recognizing Dr. May Edward Chin

Each February, we recognize Black History Month to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout U.S. history. What began as a week-long observance in 1926 grew into a month-long celebration in 1976 when President Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

From civil rights pioneers and activists to leaders in business, the arts, science, politics and culture, this month we honor both the history-making and everyday contributions of Black Americans who have contributed to the advancement of American life and specifically HPV cancer research.

We recognize Dr. May Edward Chin (1896-1980), a pioneer in early cancer prevention; she helped to develop the Pap test to test for cervical cancer in the early 1930s; this test has saved numerous lives and changed the way we prevent and detect cervical cancer. She was also the first African American woman to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, now the NYU School of Medicine, and the first African American to intern at Harlem Hospital.

Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Resilience, Achievements, and Addressing Disparities in HPV Cancer

February 2024 marks the 48th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month, a time to reflect on African Americans' rich heritage, remarkable contributions, and enduring resilience. This month serves as an opportunity to recognize the immense talent, creativity, and strength that has shaped history and continues to inspire today. The history of African Americans is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Emerging from chattel slavery, Black individuals showcased unparalleled strength, using their innate talents to become skilled contributors to various fields. From the profound artistry of Black poets, musicians, and writers to the groundbreaking achievements of scientists, inventors, and political leaders, Black history is intertwined with stories of triumph.

Despite the oppression of slavery, Black people not only survived but thrived, demonstrating remarkable skills and expertise. In the field of medicine, the contributions of Black healthcare professionals have been instrumental. From pioneers like Dr. Jane Cooke Wright, a cancer researcher and surgeon who developed new methods to evaluate cancer treatments, to contemporary leaders advancing healthcare equity, Black people have made indelible marks in medicine. Yet, as we honor these triumphs, we must confront the stark reality of HPV cancer disparities. Black women face a disturbing paradox – while achieving significant milestones, they also experience higher rates of cervical cancer mortality. This health disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and advocacy that raises awareness about cervical cancer preventive measures and promotes equitable access to quality healthcare within African American communities.

In celebrating Black History Month, let us honor Black Americans' resilience, achievements, and contributions. Together, through awareness, education, and advocacy, we can work towards a future where health disparities are eradicated and every individual can thrive, just as Black Americans have done throughout history.

The very first International HPV Awareness Day was officially recognized on March 4, 2018, marking a significant milestone in the worldwide effort against. To celebrate the upcoming seventh annual International HPV Awareness Day on March 4, 2024, the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program is excited to present a series of five virtual seminars featuring experts across the entire landscape of HPV cancer prevention efforts. Seminars will be held from 12 to 1:15 p.m. Central Time.

February 28
Aligning Efforts, Amplifying Impact: Boosting HPV Vaccination Rates in the Southeast:
This virtual seminar will highlight the key strategic initiatives being emphasized in Southeastern states to collectively boost HPV vaccination rates through coordinated efforts.

February 29
Rural Reach: Accelerating HPV Vaccination Coverage
This virtual seminar will explore a comprehensive strategy of six priority action steps aimed at enhancing HPV vaccination in rural communities.

March 1
The A-B-Cs of HPV Vaccination in School-Based Settings Easy as 1-2-3
This virtual seminar will focus on improving knowledge of HPV vaccination best practices among health professionals and administrators working in school-based settings.

March 4
Promoting the Power of Elimination through HPV Vaccination
This virtual seminar will discuss existing and emerging local, national, and global strategies to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

March 5
Navigating HPV Vaccination Challenges in Childhood Cancer Survivors
This virtual seminar will provide information regarding enhancing HPV vaccination in childhood cancer survivors along with understanding challenges and opportunities for HPV vaccination and discuss the strategies to improve vaccination in this population.

Join Us for an Upcoming Event focused on Strengthening Efforts to Boost HPV Vaccination in Rural Communities.

As we stride into February, we are excited to extend a warm invitation for our next virtual event aimed at advancing HPV vaccination efforts with rural communities.

HPV Rural Quarterly Update Meeting – February 21, 1–2 p.m. Central Time
In this first quarterly update of 2024, Sara Lolley, MPH, Program Manager for Immunization Initiatives at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), will share valuable insights on the AAP's ongoing projects, focusing on education, resources, and support for community-based organizations and providers in rural areas. The primary goal is to elevate vaccination rates, particularly in rural areas. During this meeting, we also will provide updates on St. Jude initiatives to enhance HPV vaccination rates and share the latest updates on our work with priority action steps to improve HPV vaccination with rural communities.

The EXCITE Project: Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement

Have you heard about the EXCITE Project? The EXCITE Project is a collaboration between the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are funding the Cooperative Extension System to address health disparities among rural and other underserved communities. This project has hosted 1,148 vaccination clinics, administered 26,023 vaccinations, and reached more than 18 million people through its efforts. Cooperative Extension has been a major resource for rural communities for more than a hundred years and continues to evolve to better meet the needs of people living in rural areas.

Wide Open Spaces:

Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities

HPV ECHO for Providers:
Strengthening Opportunities to Increase HPV Vaccine Uptake in Rural Primary Care

HPV vaccination rates are particularly low in U.S. rural areas, including Pennsylvania. Well-known barriers for low HPV vaccination rates include the lack of provider recommendations, and few available evidence-based interventions focused on the vaccine communication needs of both rural providers and families. To address these issues in rural Pennsylvania, researchers are conducting a study using the ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Model to disseminate evidence-based HPV vaccine communication training to rural primary care clinics or clinics predominantly serving rural families.

Josheili, MS, is a first-generation Puerto Rican doctoral student. Her work has primarily focused on cancer prevention and control. She previously worked on a colorectal cancer screening behavioral trial across Federally Qualified Health Clinics across Puerto Rico. Additionally, she worked as an epidemiologist during the COVID-19 pandemic response. She moved to Pennsylvania in 2021 after being recruited by Dr. William Calo. Under Dr. Calo’s mentorship, she has been training in HPV and the COVID-19 vaccine.

The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast recently held an in-person meeting, drawing 100 participants from 12 Southeastern states, and Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. During the meeting, attendees actively discussed, debated, and voted on evidence-based interventions, collectively identifying the top three strategies to enhance HPV vaccination rates in the region. The three action steps that the Southeast Roundtable will focus on are listed below:

1. Develop and implement a communication campaign and messages for the Southeastern region
2. Develop and disseminate a plan for HPV cancer elimination in the Southeast, beginning with cervical cancer as a public health problem.
3. Accelerate efforts to start HPV vaccination at age 9

What’s next? The Southeast Roundtable will next host three virtual follow-up meetings to discuss progress in realizing action steps identified during the in-person meeting.

The three virtual follow-up meetings will take place on: February 14, March 20 and April 24

from noon-1 p.m. Central Time.

Join the Southeast Roundtable

Visit the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast website at stjude.org/southeast-roundtable, sign up here to receive the latest information about the roundtable, and email PreventHPV@stjude.org with any questions.

Updated HPV Vaccination Guidelines for Childhood Cancer Survivors

In October 2023, the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) released updated long-term follow-up guidelines for survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer. This latest update includes new information on HPV vaccination for childhood cancer survivors. Prior to the updates, current CDC recommendations for HPV vaccination were applicable for all childhood cancer survivors who were six months post-cancer-directed therapy. Based on recent evidence, the guidelines for HPV vaccination were updated. Survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk of HPV cancers and should receive a three-dose series of the vaccination, regardless of the age at which the first vaccine was given.

As the new board president of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians (TNAAP) for 2024 and 2025, Dr. Calenda M. Smith will lead with a focus on the health of Tennessee children, which includes protecting them with lifesaving immunizations.

One of their signature series is the TNAAP Immunization Program. This program works to reverse the previous decline in childhood vaccinations and preventive care by collaborating with providers and practices in learning collaboratives. To increase the level of immunizations for children in Tennessee, the program focuses on identifying gaps in care, improving ways to get patients back in for office visits, increasing vaccine confidence among parents and presenting a cohesive message for immunizations among all staff. By doing so, they host ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) learning modules for peer-to-peer learning on how to increase the number of children who have all recommended vaccines, including HPV.
These interactive sessions feature TNAAP members who report on their current QI projects, including their challenges and successes. The program also hosts training modules for clinic staff as they address similar immunization issues such as vaccine hesitancy, process improvement that leads to increased vaccinations, and outreach strategies for patient recall.

As TNAAP continues to host these learning opportunities with providers and clinic staff, more Tennessee children will benefit from cancer prevention and the protections offered from immunizations well into adulthood.

Mississippi

2024 HPV Summit
In a significant step towards addressing the alarming rates of HPV-related cancers in Mississippi, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Cancer Center and Research Institute (UMMC-CCRI) organized the Mississippi HPV Summit on January 30. Several organizations focused on cancer prevention, including St. Jude, were in attendance.

Mississippi currently grapples with the lowest HPV vaccination coverage in the nation. To combat this, the summit served as a platform for crucial discussions on reducing the incidence of HPV cancers in the state. The meeting featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Douglas Lowy, Principal Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute and a key contributor to the development of the HPV vaccine. Dr. Carolann Risley, a distinguished professor and researcher at UMMC-CCRI, also shared insights into the state's ongoing efforts.

Statistics presented during the summit revealed that as of 2022, HPV vaccination rates for 13-17 -year-olds in Mississippi were below the national average, with 61% receiving one or more doses (U.S. 76%) and 39% up to date (U.S. 63%). To view the Mississippi HPV Data Profile, click here.
The discussions delved into various topics, including the state's past and future strategies for HPV prevention and initiatives to reduce cancer mortality through vaccination and cervical cancer screening. A panel discussion during the summer centered around outlining future strategies in Mississippi to boost HPV vaccination rates.

The event also provided a valuable networking opportunity, allowing attendees to connect with current and potential partners actively engaged in initiatives to increase HPV vaccine coverage.

Seize the opportunity to make a difference! Join St. Jude and other allies in upcoming collaborative efforts to urgently address public health concerns and curb HPV cancers, fostering inclusive strategies for improved health outcomes for Mississippi residents.

Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Health Immunization Provider Expo

If you have not secured your spot yet for the 2024 Immunization Provider Expo, this is the final call for registration. The deadline to register is February 9. Tennessee Department of Health Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program (VPDIP) will be hosting an Immunization Provider Expo in each of Tennessee's grand divisions (East, Middle, West). These annual full-day gatherings are designed to bring our vaccine providers together to foster networking, enhance their knowledge, and collaboratively address challenges. This event serves as a replacement for the VFC Annual Review held prior to 2020.

The upcoming VPDIP Immunization Provider Expo locations and dates:

Memphis on March 6, 2024
Knoxville on March 20, 2024
Nashville on March 27, 2024 (Hybrid option available)

Join the Tennessee Cancer Coalition 2024 Workgroups

The Tennessee Cancer Coalition will begin focused workgroups in 2024. These workgroups are intended to bring coalition members together to work on specific objectives within the Tennessee State Cancer Plan. By bringing members together based upon their strengths and areas of expertise, the aim is to collectively impact cancer outcomes across the state.
Workgroup and Meeting Dates:

Primary Prevention (tobacco, HPV prevention, radon, healthy weight, and melanoma) - Feb. 15 at 10a.m. Central Time
Treatment, Palliative Care, and Survivorship - Feb. 22 at 10a.m. Central Time
Health Equity and Health Disparities - Feb. 29 at 10a.m. Central Time
Childhood Cancer - Feb. 21 at 10a.m. Central Time

Additional Partner Activities and Updates

Biden Cancer Moonshot Cervical Cancer Forum

The Biden Cancer Moonshot hosted a forum marking Cervical Health Awareness Month and highlighting the Biden- arris Administration’s commitment to progress on improving education, prevention, HPV vaccination, early detection, and treatment. Our very own Dr. Heather Brandt joined in with other thought leaders, researchers, health care providers, and patient advocacy leaders to:

Discuss the greatest challenges domestically and globally that, if addressed, will increase access to cervical cancer prevention and control services.
Share progress on work being undertaken to enhance prevention and early detection and improve patient outcomes.
Generate new actions and collaborations to reduce the global impact of cervical cancer.

HPV Cancer Center Consortium 8th Annual Meeting

The 8th Annual Meeting of the HPV Cancer Center Consortium will be held on April 16-17 in Lexington, Kentucky. This year’s meeting is hosted by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. The mission of the HPV Cancer Center Consortium is to convene cancer centers to catalyze research, foster partnerships, and advance equitable HPV vaccination to reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers.

With a focus on HPV vaccination research, the objectives of the 2024 HPV Cancer Center Consortium meeting are to:

Provide updates on the existing evidence base and emerging research areas.
Identify gaps and opportunities for future research led by cancer centers.
Foster networking and collaborations across cancer centers.
Support trainee and early-stage investigator engagement in the field.

Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer:
US vs. HPV Prevention Week 2024

2024 US vs. HPV Webinars- Jan 22-26

The St. Jude Cancer Prevention Program was a proud sponsor and partner of the Us Vs. HPV Prevention Week as well as the Congressional Briefing and White House event on the inauguration of the Cervical Cancer forum by the Biden cancer Moonshot team. The GIAHC wanted to thank us for our support by prominently featuring our logo and name on their website.

The videos are posted to amwa-doc.org/hpv-week-2024 and giahc.org or can also be viewed on the following links:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

National Foundation for Infectious Disease focuses on HPV Vaccination

Share these graphics and sample social media posts to help raise awareness:

#DYK: In the US, most new HPV infections occur among teens and those in their early 20s? Many of those infected do not have symptoms but can still spread the virus that causes cervical cancer and other cancers. Learn more: www.nfid.org/hpv #GetVaccinated #PreventHPV
HPV vaccination helps protect against 6 types of cancer. Vaccination is recommended early in life to help protect children long before they ever have contact with the virus.
HPV #vaccines are safe and effective in protecting against cancer? Get Informed. Get Screened. #GetVaccinated. Learn more: www.nfid.org/hpv

"During the pandemic, I walked most mornings and evenings to maintain a sense of normalcy. I met several unhoused individuals and began to prepare care packages for them. They always told me they were grateful for the masks and hand sanitizer I gave to them, but they really loved the chocolate candy. That made me smile.” – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director

“One Sunday at church I noticed my husband talking to a visitor, a bright young man who mentioned that he didn't have a lot of dress clothes. He complimented my husband on his suit jacket. Before we left church, I noticed my husband was walking around without his blazer and the bright young man was wearing my husband’s suit jacket. I thought it was very sweet of him to lend him the clothes off his back.” – Karlisa Cryer, medical content writer

“The recent snow and ice event in Memphis led to the normal rush at Kroger. With only four lines stretched to the back of the store, a wandering customer was about to give up, leaving her one head of cauliflower. After making it to the front of the line and seeing her frustration, I asked to pay for her one item. She agreed and thanked me heartily. My only request was for her to pay it forward” – Carol Minor, program coordinator

“One day upon arriving at work, I was walking from one building to the next. I noticed that the door was already open, and when I looked down, there was a little boy around 4 years old holding the door for me. I just thought that was the sweetest unprompted gesture.” – Julia Brown, program manager

“Amid the pandemic, I witnessed a team of neighborhood volunteers purchasing and delivering groceries to elderly neighbors, offering invaluable support.” – Cristóbal Valdebenito, program coordinator

“While driving home from work on a rainy evening, I saw a Shi Tzu on the side of the road. I love dogs, so I stopped, picked her up, and took her home. I made a post on my social media about finding a missing dog. The next day, her owner contacted me, and she was returned to her family.” – Portia Knowlton, program coordinator

“When I first moved to Memphis, I did not have my car with me yet, so I often used Uber and I was amazed at the kindness of the drivers that helped me bring my groceries to the front door!” – Duha Magzoub, program coordinator

“It was a Christmas Day 2019, and I was in San Francisco. The only nearby store that was open was Walgreens and I went there to get water. There was an old lady in the checkout line. She wanted to get a toy for her grand kid, and she thought it was on sale. However, the toy was not on sale and the price was $24.99. She did not have enough money to buy that toy and she felt bad. I decided to get that toy for her and asked her if that’s okay. She was very happy with that, and I bought the toy. She gave me a lot of blessings.” – Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow

“I do my best to learn the names of support staff on campus – the security guards or housekeepers – and greet them by name when I see them. It’s a small thing, but it always makes my day to see a smile when we recognize each other.” - Kasia Mitchell, program coordinator

“During COVID my friend would check on her elderly neighbor and take her to the grocery store” – Ursula Leflore, administrative specialist

“I try to sprinkle random acts of kindness into every day. It does not take much to be kind to others – hold the door for someone, let someone pass in front of you, and express gratitude regularly.” – Heather Brandt, director

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s Path to a Bright Future campaign spotlights the benefits of on-time HPV vaccination to prevent cancer in children ages 9–12. The campaign also raises awareness of the dangers of HPV pre-cancers and cancers.

Join us:

Get your child vaccinated against HPV by their 13th birthday: If you or your child is in the recommended age range (ages 9–26 and possibly until age 45), get vaccinated.
Encourage others to get their children vaccinated: Normalize HPV vaccination as cancer prevention.
Share the facts: HPV vaccination is safe, effective, and durable. It prevents 6 types of cancer.

Learn more and join the campaign.