The WI Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, housed at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, recently participated in the development of a position statement on HPV vaccination. UW Carbone Cancer Center has joined 68 of the nation’s top cancer centers in issuing a statement with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) urging increased human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV infections are responsible for about 27,000 new cancer diagnoses each year in the U.S. Yet fewer than 40 percent of girls and just more than 21 percent of boys receive the recommended three doses. The percentages fall short of the goal of 80 percent by the end of this decade as set by Healthy People 2020.
The CDC recommends that boys and girls receive three doses at ages 11 – 12 years. The HPV vaccine series can be started as early as age 9 and should be completed by the 13th birthday. The HPV vaccine is more effective the earlier it is given. The main predictor of HPV vaccination is a strong provider recommendation. The WI Comprehensive Cancer Control Program has continued collaborating with partners to improve HPV vaccination rates in Wisconsin.