Viewpoint: Want to reduce young people's risk of cervical, other cancers? HPV vaccination is key

January is cervical cancer awareness month, and the best way to prevent cervical cancer is with vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., HPV is responsible for several different cancers, including nearly all cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing them.

Cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women ages 20 to 39, and the steady decline in these rates over the years has leveled out. This is of particular concern in Oklahoma, which leads the nation in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Native American women have the highest rates of cases and death, and Black women die at disproportionately high rates relative to their case rates. 

As expected, Oklahoma has one of the lowest rates of HPV vaccination in the country. Although the vaccine is approved for females and males ages 9 to 26, less than half of Oklahoma’s teenagers and young adults have completed the series.

I was 23 when I developed cervical cancer in the late 1990s, well before the first HPV vaccine was available. I also was uninsured. Without the help of family, I would have lost my life. As it was, since my treatment was a total hysterectomy, I lost the chance to have my own children. What I would have given for the vaccine back then.

We know recommendations from health care providers can increase vaccination rates, but a study published in Pediatrics found just under half of unvaccinated teens received a provider recommendation in 2018. What’s more, the parents of nearly two of every three unvaccinated teens objected to the vaccine. These parents may not understand the link between HPV and cancer. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics found most adults are unaware of this connection.

Some parents may object out of concern that vaccinating their child against a sexually transmitted infection will lead to sexual promiscuity. Research has disproven this theory, yet many states rely on this thinking to downplay the need for vaccine-promotion policies. Concerns over adverse side effects are another concern, but only 3 cases of every million have resulted in severe allergic reaction. The risk for cancer and possible death is far greater.

It's unlikely Oklahoma will see any legislative mandates for HPV vaccination, so the onus is on us — whether we’re parents, public health professionals, health care providers, health professions educators or concerned residents — to spread the word about HPV vaccination.

It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for our children and young adults today. Let’s increase HPV vaccination rates and end cervical and other HPV-related cancers once and for all.

Krista Schumacher is a researcher and evaluator at the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Health, adjunct professor of public health at OSU, and mom to five dogs and three cats.