HPV vaccine could cut cancer with better awareness

Public awareness about HPV and the vaccine is low even as experts highlight its cancer prevention potential.

HPV Vaccine Spurs Cancer Prevention Through Better Awareness

In the United States HPV is a common infection, and most people clear it. There are over 100 HPV types, and some are linked to cancer, including cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, and anus, as well as certain oral cancers. Cervical cancer remains the most common HPV related cancer, with about 13,000 new cases each year and roughly 4,000 deaths. Across all HPV linked cancers, annual diagnoses reach about 48,000. The HPV vaccine has very high efficacy, close to 100 percent for preventing cervical cancer in women and a strong shield against other HPV related cancers in men who have sex with men, and it also reduces genital warts. The CDC recommends giving the first vaccine dose at age 11 or 12, with two doses for ages 9–14 and three doses for older or immunocompromised individuals.

Despite this, public awareness is low. A JAMA Oncology study shows more than a third of adults in the United States do not know about HPV or the vaccine. Dr. Leana Wen, CNN’s wellness expert, says vaccination aims to protect against diseases someone might encounter in life, not to promote sexual activity. There are notable state gaps in knowledge, underscoring the need for clearer education for teens, parents, and health professionals.

Public health campaigns face a challenge: turning complex medical facts into everyday actions. Even with strong evidence, confusion persists about who should get the shot and when. Messaging should emphasize cancer prevention, normalize vaccination in routine care, and address safety and efficacy transparently. The article signals a need for coordinated efforts across schools, clinics, and media to raise awareness and counter misinformation.

Equity matters. If awareness lags in some states, uptake will stay uneven. Policymakers and health systems should align resources to sustain education, reduce access barriers, and monitor attitudes so campaigns can adapt quickly. That requires trust, clarity, and sustained funding.

Highlights

Health education must meet families where they are and stay aligned with the science.