On the Path to Prevention

Stay the Course through All Seasons
Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Close-Knit, Far-Reaching: Harnessing the Strengths of Rural Communities to Prevent HPV Cancers Through HPV Vaccination, October 16
Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage
Wide Open Spaces: Strength in Community: Native Youth Leading HPV Cancer Prevention
HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast
Training Health Care Providers and Professionals
Cancer Survivor Story: Maritza Manjarrez
Partner Spotlight: University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center
Partner Activities and Updates
Current and Upcoming Events
Team Question: Face Your Fears
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

Stay the Course through All Seasons

PowerPoint Presentation As we enter fall, even if it may not feel like fall outside, our mandate to stay the course through all seasons remains clear. Focusing on what we can control becomes our guide. Despite many challenges in the current vaccination climate, good work is happening related to HPV vaccination. Our persistence and resilience, while tested, will pay off in more people protected against preventable HPV cancers.

Last month, 62 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Centers with leading national organizations and the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center have endorsed a joint statement urging the nation’s health care systems, physicians and other health care providers and professionals, parents, and caregivers, and the public to promote and choose HPV vaccination for cancer prevention. As reported previously in the monthly Path to Prevention newsletter, recently released National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen data show no gains in HPV vaccination over the last few years indicating urgent action to ensure children today are protected against HPV cancers they may develop in adulthood. The endorsements demonstrated a shared goal of sending a powerful message about the importance of HPV vaccination for the prevention of HPV cancers.

Also in September, the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast, for which St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program provides backbone support, released the first-ever regional plan for eliminating HPV cancers starting with cervical cancer as a public health concern. This plan is only the second published plan in the U.S. following the release of the first state elimination plan in Alabama, called Operation Wipe Out. The regional plan focused on providing overall goals as well as supportive strategies to support efforts to convene key people and partners and develop, implement, and evaluate plans in stated and regions in the Southeastern U.S. Access the Southeast elimination resources here. The Southeast Roundtable continues to collaborate with states and jurisdictions in various stages of elimination planning. Rallying around elimination provides a way to renew interest and focus on preventing HPV cancers. Let us know if you are working on elimination as well.

Speaking of elimination, the International Papillomavirus Conference is coming up later this month in Bangkok, Thailand. The focus of the conference is on research toward the global elimination of HPV-related diseases and cancers. I look forward to attending the conference and being in a learning environment rich with the latest science, applications of evidence, and aspirations for elimination. I will share more about my main take-aways in next month’s newsletter.

As always, please reach out to us at PreventHPV@stjude.org with any suggestions, content, and/or questions.

Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape

Nearly two decades after its approval, HPV vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing HPV cancers, yet the U.S. vaccination landscape continues to face challenges. This section of the Path to Prevention newsletter will focus on providing updates on the current vaccination landscape.

Recent studies confirm the HPV vaccine’s remarkable long-term impact: a 17-year cross-sectional study found substantial declines in HPV prevalence among both vaccinated and unvaccinated young women, demonstrating strong population-level effectiveness and herd protection. This success underscores the HPV vaccine’s power not only to protect individuals but also to reduce community transmission. However, sustaining these gains requires vigilance, as disruptions in preventive care—such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic—can threaten herd immunity. Experts emphasize maintaining at least 80% vaccination coverage to ensure continued protection.

Despite scientific progress, policy and practice barriers persist. Only five U.S. states and territories have implemented school-entry HPV vaccination requirements, and vaccination completion rates vary widely—from nearly 80% in Massachusetts to under 40% in Mississippi. Federal guidance from HHS provides recommendations but leaves implementation largely to the states, making local policy action critical. Strengthening these policies is essential to meeting the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80% series completion and advancing toward cervical cancer elimination.

At the same time, pediatricians face financial challenges as vaccine costs rise, and federal policies under the Trump Administration and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. create uncertainty. Contrary to Kennedy’s claims of high profits from vaccinations, many pediatricians report slim margins and financial risks associated with providing vaccines. The Administration’s anti-vaccine stance has led to changes in vaccine recommendations and insurance coverage issues, further complicating pediatric practices. As a result, some pediatricians are considering reducing vaccine offerings, which could exacerbate existing workforce shortages and impact children’s health care access.

Vaccine misinformation continues to influence parental hesitancy, leading some young adults to discover they were never vaccinated. A recent poll by The Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) revealed that 1 in 6 American parents have delayed or skipped at least one childhood vaccine, not counting the flu and COVID-19 shots with potential short- and long-term outcomes influencing increased medical costs. These factors highlight a pivotal moment for HPV cancer prevention: while the science and benefits are clear, ensuring equitable access, sustained funding, and strong policy support will determine whether the U.S. can fully realize the vaccine’s promise to eliminate HPV cancers.

Check out these recent articles and publications to learn more.

DeSieghardt A, Ding L, Ermel A, Franco EL, Dagnall C, Brown DR, Yao S, Kahn JA. Population-Level Effectiveness and Herd Protection 17 Years After HPV Vaccine Introduction. JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Sep 29:e253568. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.3568. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41021257; PMCID: PMC12481364.
Imburgia TM, Katzenellenbogen RA. Benefiting Us All-Population-Level Impact of the HPV Vaccine. JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Sep 29. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.3575. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41021235.
Thadani. The Washington Post. Their parents never got them vaccinated. As young adults, they faced a choice. 2025 Oct 05. Access online at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/10/05/vaccines-skepticism-childhood-family-impacts/.
Wong. Moneywise. Yahoo!Finance. 1 in 6 US parents are choosing not to vaccinate their kids. Why – and how vaccine hesitancy can hit your bottom line. 2025 Oct 06. Access online at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/1-6-us-parents-choosing-094500818.html.
Wu. The Atlantic. Pediatricians Can’t Bear These Costs. 2025 Oct 03. Access online at: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2025/10/pediatricians-vaccination-business/684446/.
Zeitouni J, Osazuwa-Peters N, Dundar Y, Zimet G, Varvares MA. Two decades of the HPV vaccine: its promise, progress, prospects, projections, and posterity. Lancet Reg Health Am. 2025 Sep 15;51:101243. doi: 10.1016/j.lana.2025.101243. PMID: 41019515; PMCID: PMC12464959.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up nearly 20% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

Hispanic individuals have disproportionately high rates of HPV cancers, particularly cervical cancer, which has affected Hispanic and Latino populations at the second-highest incidence rate among racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. While the overall incidence of cervical cancer has declined, rates for younger Hispanic and Latino people have increased. Lower rates of HPV vaccination among some Hispanic and Latino populations, lower rates of cervical cancer screening, and delayed cervical cancer follow-up care and treatment contribute to these disparities.

Read more about HPV cancer prevention among Hispanic and Latino communities here. Later in this month’s newsletter, we feature Maritza Manjarrez, cervical cancer survivor, and the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center to showcase their efforts to address HPV among Hispanic and Latino communities.

Close-Knit, Far-Reaching: Harnessing the Strengths of Rural Communities to Prevent HPV Cancers Through HPV Vaccination, October 16

As part of our program’s ongoing seminar series, Empowering and Strengthening Community, Culture, and Connection to Prevent HPV Cancers, we will hold the sixth seminar in this series, Close-Knit, Far-Reaching: Harnessing the Strengths of Rural Communities to Prevent HPV Cancers Through HPV Vaccination, on October 16 from 10-11:15 a.m. Central Time. The seminar will explore differences in HPV vaccination and HPV cancers within and across sub-groups present in rural communities and will explore actionable strategies to prevent HPV cancers by addressing the unique barriers faced by rural communities. Through the lens of rural intersectionality, attendees will examine how geography, race, ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status intersect to influence HPV vaccination access and outcomes in rural communities. The session will highlight approaches to advance equal access to health care, strengthen culturally responsive communication, and equip public health professionals with tools to close gaps in HPV cancer prevention across rural landscapes. Register here.

Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

As we look ahead to National Rural Health Day on November 20, we are preparing to mark the occasion during our monthly quarterly updates meeting and with a special edition of our rural communication. During our quarterly meeting on November 20, we will take time to honor the strengths and resilience of rural communities while also marking an important milestone for our program. In celebration of National Rural Health Day, we will release updated rural HPV vaccination priorities and a new report describing successes through our actions and those of partners to prevent HPV cancers with rural communities. We also will share timely resources that reflect the spirit of the day by celebrating rural communities and equipping partners with tools to sustain progress in rural HPV cancer prevention. We will be joined by our national group of rural HPV vaccination subject matter experts, whose insights and expertise over the past six months have been instrumental in ensuring the updated priorities are both more actionable and relevant for today’s rural health and vaccination landscape. We hope you will join us on National Rural Health Day for an engaging meeting to celebrate the “Power of Rural.”

Rural-focused HPV Vaccination Resources and Content

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s national public awareness campaign "Their Future is in Your Hands" has introduced a section focused on rural communities. The online resource now features rural-specific HPV vaccination resources, messages, and materials tailored for health professionals, partners, and communities working to prevent HPV cancers in rural America. These tools aim to address the unique challenges and strengths in rural settings while equipping users with evidence-based strategies and shareable content. Access the campaign at stjude.org/PreventHPV and rural content directly here.

Wide Open Spaces:
Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities

Strength in Community: Native Youth Leading HPV Cancer Prevention

Native peoples are one of the many strengths of North Carolina, and their resilience is a foundation for building healthier futures. The work of Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership (SAICEP) is not just about addressing disparities; it is about creating sustainable systems of collaboration that honor tribal sovereignty and community priorities. The road ahead is long, but through partnerships, data equity, and youth leadership, SAICEP is committed to reducing the burden of cancer in Native communities. By investing in prevention strategies like HPV vaccination today, we can ensure a healthier future for Native youth across North Carolina.

Read more about Strength in Community: Native Youth Leading HPV Cancer Prevention here.

Learn more about HPV cancer prevention among American Indian and Alaska Native communities here.

About the Author:

Ryan Dial is an enrolled citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and lives in Durham with his wife, Idalis Jacobs Dial. He serves as the American Indian Health Program Manager at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, leading initiatives through the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UNC American Indian Center. Ryan is also adjunct instructor in American Studies, where he developed and teaches UNC’s first undergraduate course on American Indian health. As a DrPH student at Johns Hopkins University, his work focuses on advancing Indigenous health equity through culturally grounded programming, research, and community-driven solutions.

Do you have a story about HPV cancer prevention efforts with rural communities? We invite guest contributors to share information on how they are working to improve HPV vaccination in rural areas through the Wide Open Spaces article series, which is promoted in our monthly Path to Prevention newsletter, featured in our quarterly rural HPV vaccination newsletter, and posted on stjude.org/HPVrural. If you are interested in contributing to 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 HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast includes people and partners from 12 states and two jurisdictions across the Southeastern United States with the goal of improving HPV vaccination coverage to protect against HPV cancers in this region. The Southeast Roundtable is guided by leadership from the Executive Committee, Steering Committee, implementation teams, and general membership. Visit the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast website at stjude.org/southeast-roundtable.

Here are ongoing and upcoming opportunities and events organized by the Southeast Roundtable:
October – December

It’s Our Way Down South communication campaign release of Phase 2 materials
Southeast U.S. Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern. Resources now available.
Southeast U.S. Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern. Resources now available.

November

Celebrating Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action Elimination of HPV Cancers in the Southeast U.S., November 18, 10 a.m. – noon Central Time. Register here.
Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Quarterly Case Study Meeting, November 20, 2 – 3:15 p.m. Central Time. Register here.

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

“It’s Our Way Down South” is the communication campaign developed by implementation team members for those across the Southeastern region. Over 100 campaign access requests from 30 states and jurisdictions have been fulfilled in addition to print materials requests. New materials will be available soon to promote HPV vaccination through the lens of the Southeast region.

PowerPoint Presentation To support use of the It’s Our Way Down South campaign materials, the communication implementation team is hosting drop-in office hours on a monthly cadence. During office hours, campaign users will be able to have questions addressed. Support in co-branding campaign materials will also be provided in real time. The next drop-in office hours will be held October 29 from noon-1 p.m. Central Time. Join here. If scheduled office hours do not work, please email PreventHPV@stjude.org to schedule a different time.

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

On September 9, the elimination implementation team released the Southeast U.S. Call to Action: Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern. This virtual launch brought together over 100 partners from across the United States, and globally, to learn about the work of the Southeast Roundtable and elimination implementation team in paving a path towards a future free of HPV cancers.

Based on an informal needs assessment conducted in 2024, the Call to Action provides a first look into current HPV cancer elimination planning efforts, key priorities and considerations, and next steps for developing a state-level elimination plan. This resource is designed to be the first steppingstone in your path to success towards developing an elimination plan. The elimination Toolkit is available by request; it is designed to be used alongside the Call to Action as practical guidance for the development process of state-level elimination plans. Social posts, media copy, and a press release are available upon request to support your dissemination of these resources.

If you missed the virtual launch, the unedited recording can be viewed here. Access the Call to Action and other elimination materials and request access to the Toolkit on the new landing page at stjude.org/southeast-elimination.

Additionally, the elimination implementation team will host a seminar to convene leaders working on elimination efforts throughout the Southeast. Participants will be able to learn what has been done up to this point in several states from the Southeast region, and how they can model these efforts to promote elimination of HPV cancers in their own states. Join us for this seminar, November 18, 10 – noon Central Time. Register here.

Learn more about eliminating HPV cancers, starting with cervical cancer as a public health concern here.

The implementation team is moving forward with creating a curriculum for medical trainees to help improve their understanding of HPV vaccination and how to give a strong provider recommendation that includes initiation at age 9. Through evaluation of curriculum implementation and knowledge of medical trainees, this pilot curriculum will then be adapted for other medical institutions to implement as part of their training.

The implementation team is also looking forward to sharing a new information and resource guide, including case studies on starting HPV vaccination at age 9, information about vaccination hesitancy, survivor perspectives, and more. The implementation team is currently in the final revision process for this new resource, with dissemination aimed for fall 2025. We look forward to sharing this resource in upcoming communications, to support public health organizations across the Southeast.

Finally, the implementation team will continue to host and promote provider training opportunities across the Southeast region.

Training Health Care Providers and Professionals

As part of efforts to increase on-time HPV vaccination and prevent HPV cancers, the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers the Announcement Approach Training (AAT). The AAT is an important component of the program’s ongoing efforts to promote health care provider and professional training programs to improve HPV vaccination coverage. The announcement approach is an evidence-based strategy to recommend HPV vaccination and increase HPV vaccination coverage developed by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If you are interested in hosting an AAT, email PreventHPV@stjude.org.

Recently, an Announcement Approach Training was held in partnership with the New England Rural Health Association (NERHA) and the Advancing Research in Immunization Services (ARISe) Center for Rural Vaccination at UMass Chan on September 6, during the NERHA’s 2025 Rural Health Student Summit at Dartmouth Medical Center. The session equipped the next generation of rural providers with evidence-based communication skills to confidently recommend HPV vaccination, helping to build a strong foundation for their future practice. By investing in these students, we are ensuring that rural communities will continue to have trusted voices championing HPV cancer prevention.

Cancer Survivor Story:
Maritza Manjarrez

In this blog post from Cervivor, Inc., Maritza Manjarrez discusses breaking the silence about her cervical cancer diagnosis.

“My cervical cancer journey has been especially difficult as a Latina. The stigma surrounding HPV and cervical cancer in our community has played a huge role in that,” says Maritza, who was diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma at age 34. “Growing up Mexican meant you didn’t talk openly about topics like this. Keeping what was considered ‘private information’ to myself made it very hard to find help, support groups, or even basic information.”

That silence meant it took Maritza years to find Cervivor and feel comfortable sharing her story. “When asked what type of cancer I had, I felt a sense of shame and embarrassment to answer cervical cancer,” she recalls. “I believe this stigma plays a big role in the statistics. It makes me sad and worried, because if we don’t increase advocacy, these numbers are not going to change. Too many of our women are dying from this preventable disease.”

Maritza, who recently graduated from Cervivor School 2025, is one of many of the people with a cervix who are supported by the programming of Cervivor. This programming includes Cervivor Español, virtual meet ups open to any cervical cancer patients and survivors who identify as Hispanic or Latina.

Register for the next Cervivor Español MeetUp here. Read the full Cervivor blog here.

Partner Spotlight:
University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UPRCCC), through its Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Office, leads coordinated efforts to educate about HPV vaccination across Puerto Rico. These initiatives include community education and awareness campaigns, partnerships with schools and local organizations, and close collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Health.

Since the HPV vaccination school entry requirement was enacted in August 2018, Puerto Rico has achieved one of the highest HPV vaccination rates nationwide. However, UPRCCC remains committed to continue educating parents about the vaccine and its critical role in cancer prevention. This initiative not only promotes dose completion but also fosters meaningful conversations with parents, encouraging them to become active participants in our outreach network. UPRCCC hopes that these engagement efforts will extend their impact to immediate family members and the broader community, increasing awareness of available programs, services, and research opportunities. Check out an example of the University of Puerto Rico outreach initiatives Actuemos a Tiempo.

Puerto Rican culture is deeply rooted in family, community, and solidarity—values that strongly support public health efforts like HPV vaccination and cancer prevention. The sense of collective responsibility and care for loved ones motivates parents and caregivers to protect their children’s health. By building on cultural strength and trust, UPRCCC will continue advancing vaccination and cancer prevention across the island.

Vivian Colon Lopez, PhD, Scientific Director of the Office of Community Engagement at the University of Puerto Rico Cancer Center shared, “Our collaboration with the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has been impactful. Through the Southeast Roundtable and other joint initiatives, we’ve been able to share resources, strengthen our outreach strategies, learn new strategies from our colleagues and amplify our impact across Puerto Rico. This partnership has reinforced our commitment to reducing HPV-related cancers through education, collaboration, and community engagement.”

For community members across Puerto Rico, she emphasizes, “Como puertorriqueños y miembros de la comunidad hispana, llevamos una fuerte tradición de familia, y solidaridad. Proteger a nuestros seres queridos es el corazón de lo que somos. Al elegir la vacuna contra el Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH), no solo protegemos la salud de nuestros hijos, sino que también honramos nuestro compromiso con la familia y la comunidad. Juntos, podemos prevenir el cáncer, fortalecer nuestras familias y crear un futuro más saludable para las próximas generaciones.”

(Translation: “As Puerto Ricans and members of the Hispanic community, we carry a strong tradition of family and solidarity. Protecting our loved ones is at the heart of who we are. By choosing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, we not only protect the health of our children, but we also honor our commitment to family and community. Together, we can prevent cancer, strengthen our families, and create a healthier future for generations to come.”)

Vaccination Community Learning Program

PowerPoint Presentation Vaccinate Your Family University launched a new, free online offering for anyone seeking information about vaccines and wanting to build skills to educate others. The Vaccination Community Learning Program is Vaccinate Your Family’s newly updated and expanded version of our popular Vaccination Community Navigator curriculum, which is now designed for an even more engaging and flexible learning experience. Learners can explore interactive courses that build vaccine knowledge, communication skills, and confidence to promote vaccination in their communities. Enroll here.

Cancer Prevention through HPV Vaccination: An Action Guide for Oral Health Professionals, October 8

Join the ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable in a program to share information about a new resource, "Cancer Prevention Through HPV Vaccination: An Action Guide for Oral Health Professionals". This webinar on October 8 from noon-1 p.m. Eastern Time will walk attendees through the action guide and provide two case study presentations for practical use in practice to increase HPV vaccination and decrease HPV-related cancers. Register here.

Self-collection Webinar Series, October 30

The ACS National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer is launching a webinar series to focus on cervical cancer screening through self-collection. The first webinar on October 30 at 1 p.m. ET will focus on the landscape of self-collection testing. The series is designed specifically for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and safety-net health systems. This 45-minute session will provide a foundational overview of self-collection, including available testing options and devices, their limitations, and current clinical guidelines. The second webinar on system readiness and tracking will be held on December 4 and the third webinar on implementation will be held on January 15, 2026. Register here.

Alabama Operation Wipe Out!

The Advisor, the most prominent of several similarly named newsletters in Alabama, is a monthly publication of the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) that provides members with updates on retirement, legislative developments, and benefits. Operation Wipe Out was recently highlighted in The Advisor under the Alabama Success Stories section. This feature underscores Alabama’s leadership and ongoing progress toward achieving a future without cervical cancer. The full article can be accessed here.

Kentucky Cervical Cancer Elimination Workgroup

The Immunize Kentucky Coalition and the Kentucky Department for Public Health have launched the Kentucky Cervical Cancer Elimination Workgroup, which is a diverse, statewide coalition working to eliminate cervical cancer. By increasing HPV vaccination, expanding access to screenings, and ensuring timely follow-up care, the group is building a strategic plan to tackle cervical cancer head-on. With collaboration across sectors, prevention through HPV vaccination and regular screenings is more effective than ever. Elimination is no longer a dream but a goal within reach. To learn more or join this interactive workgroup, please contact tara.pendygraft@ky.gov.

Mississippi Elimination Planning Meeting

Mississippi is on a mission. On September 26, health care providers and community leaders gathered to advance a comprehensive plan aimed at eliminating cervical cancer and preventing other HPV cancers. The event drew an impressive turnout, with influential individuals asking thoughtful questions, sharing valuable insights, and demonstrating genuine engagement throughout the day. Special recognition goes to the presenters, whose expertise, energy, and passion brought the material to life, emphasizing that the plan is both actionable and achievable. The planning committee also deserves commendation for their dedication and meticulous attention to detail, which were instrumental to the event’s success. During the breakout sessions, participants collaborated with facilitators and notetakers to share meaningful strategies and innovative ideas for creating impact within their communities. Discussions focused on critical areas such as HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment, reflecting a collective commitment to improving health outcomes related to HPV cancers. The insights and connections generated during these sessions are expected to provide a strong foundation for ongoing action and collaboration across the state.

Memphis and Shelby County (Tennessee) HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable Annual Meeting

The Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable successfully hosted its 5th Annual Meeting on September 23 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with 52 health care professionals, public health leaders, and community advocates in attendance. Continuing the theme HPV Vaccination in Full Bloom, the event highlighted both the progress we have made and the strategies we are cultivating to further strengthen HPV cancer prevention efforts across Memphis and Shelby County. This year’s keynote address was delivered by Katharine Head, PhD, of Indiana University, a nationally recognized expert in health communication. Dr. Head shared powerful insights on effective communication strategies to promote HPV vaccination and cancer prevention, setting the tone for an inspiring and action-oriented day. Additional activities included skills-based trainings on the Announcement Approach Training and effective HPV vaccination communication.

The Memphis Roundtable invites anyone who shares the mission of increasing HPV vaccination rates in Memphis and Shelby County to get involved by completing the membership form and sharing it with your colleagues and networks. If you are personally interested in becoming more involved through the Planning Committee, please email akeria.taylor@stjude.org. To learn more about the Memphis Roundtable, please visit stjude.org/memphis-roundtable.

East Tennessee Cancer Task Force

Work has begun to form the East Tennessee Cancer Task Force, a collaborative network of organizations, agencies, and individuals committed to ensuring no one faces the ripple effects of cancer alone. This Task Force is designed for anyone whose work intersects with the lives of cancer patients — not just healthcare providers, but housing programs, food assistance, mental health services, transportation providers, schools, churches, civic groups, local governments, and businesses. If you serve people, you belong at the table. The Task Force is currently seeking individuals and organizations to join as founding members. This is a chance to shape something that’s never existed in the region — a coordinated, compassionate safety net for East Tennessee families facing cancer. Visit their website for more information and how to join.

Virtual Data 101 Workshop Available, October 7

The Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV) Data & Evaluation Committee will be hosting a virtual Data 101 Workshop on October 7 at noon Eastern Time. Workshop leaders will explain how cancer data are collected and why sometimes numbers look different but may not actually mean much. You will also learn the difference between spotting a pattern and proving what causes cancer. Plus, they will highlight where to find trustworthy cancer info you can count on. Whether you’re curious, working in health, or just want to be more informed, this workshop is a great place to start. Registration is required.

October 14 is National Face Your Fears Day. The purpose of this day is to encourage people to confront and overcome their fears. The HPV Cancer Prevention Program team members share a fear they want to overcome.

“I want to overcome my fear of wasps and remind myself that I can swat them with a fly swatter or spray them with wasp spray, and I’ll be just fine, lol!” – Portia Knowlton, program coordinator

“I am terribly afraid of snakes. Although, I cannot say that it is a fear I am ready to face.” - Julia Brown, program manager

“Lightning and thundering make me nervous, and I want to overcome that fear. I usually listen to music to help me stay calm.”- Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow

“I want to overcome the fear of learning to become a better swimmer.” - Ursula Leflore, senior administrative coordinator

“I want to overcome my fear of loneliness! I am working on finding ways each day that I can fill my cup, to find fulfillment not just in the presence of my loved ones but also through learning to enjoy ‘me time’.” – Maddy McNee, program coordinator

“I want to overcome the fear of falling short in making real change and instead lean into bold action.” – Nicole Williams, program coordinator

“I am more intentionally working towards overcoming my fear of the dark. This fear has only multiplied as I have grown older, but I am making progress!” – Samantha Wells, program coordinator

“I'm afraid of heights, but I’ve challenged myself with zip lining, parasailing, and even walking the Kakum Canopy Walkway. I didn’t love it, but I’ll keep trying in hopes that one day I will!” – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director

“I want to stop letting the fear of the unknown shape my choices and learn to get comfortable with uncertainty and move forward courageously.” – Akeria Taylor, program coordinator

“I have been quite fearless most of my life, but I have developed fear of tight spaces. I would not yet say claustrophobia. I also have a little bit of a fear of heights, which happens only sometimes. I don’t know if I want to overcome them though. I just try to make sure I get my mind right, have space, and stay down low.” -- 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
College students
Faith community

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.

Access resources for childhood cancer survivors at stjude.org/SurvivorProud.

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 HPV vaccination, 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 HPV vaccination and reduce their risk of preventable cancers later in life.

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program envisions a world free of HPV cancers. Through education, promoting best practice models, and strategic partner engagement, its mission is to increase on-time HPV vaccination. On-time HPV vaccination by the 13th birthday provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against the most common types of HPV linked to cancers.

Learn more at stjude.org/HPV. Email PreventHPV@stjude.org with any questions.