Prevention of HPV-associated Cancers: Understanding the Current Environment to Maximize Protection

Prevention of HPV-associated Cancers: Understanding the Current Environment to Maximize Protection is organized by Center for Independent Healthcare Education, LLC.

Release Date: November 27, 2023
Expiration Date: November 27, 2024

Description:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is linked to several types of cancers and genital warts. The virus infects an overwhelming majority of men and women during their lifetimes. According to the CDC, there are an estimated 13 million new infections each year, with most of these new infections occurring among 15- to 24-year-olds. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer, but the virus is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx.

Vaccination against HPV remains the most effective approach to prevent HPV-related cancers and can be given to children, adolescents, and young adults. Long-term population-based studies are giving an indication of the broad impact of HPV vaccination in reducing cervical cancer incidence. Despite the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccination, uptake of the vaccine lags behind other immunizations given to adolescents and adults. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and healthcare disparities. Primary care providers (PCPs) are key players in ensuring their patients remain up-to-date on vaccinations. PCPs are often the first point of provider contact for well and sick visits and provide a trusted resource for medical information. Knowledge of vaccination barriers is critical for PCPs to offer education that is personalized for each patient and/or caregiver in order to build acceptance and maximize protection against HPV infection and associated complications. This activity will review the current burden of HPV-related cancers, assess the latest clinical evidence linking HPV vaccination with cancer prevention, and discuss effective communication strategies to ensure that patients and/or caregivers understand the value of vaccination.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of the educational activity, the learner should be able to:

• Explain the current incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers in men and women and how the incidence has changed since the availability of HPV vaccination
• Recognize how patient barriers to HPV vaccination can differ depending on age, gender, and other patient factors
• Utilize communication strategies designed to educate vaccine-eligible patients in an age-appropriate and gender-neutral manner about the risks of HPV infection and benefits of vaccination