Cervical Cancer Prevention Starts Here: HPV Vaccine Facts You Can Trust

By Kyle Minnis, Cervivor Communications Assistant

The United States, along with much of the world, is at a pivotal moment in cancer prevention. Various studies show that use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine—which can prevent over 90% of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer—is falling. If the trend continues, more children and families will face potentially life-threatening cancer diagnoses that could be avoided. 

The numbers speak for themselves: According to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) most recent National Immunization Survey, only 78% of U.S. adolescents aged 13 to 17 have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, and fewer than 63% are up to date on the full series. This is significantly below the national Healthy People 2030 goal of 80% two-dose completion among adolescents aged 13 to 15. Recent data suggests the pandemic has widened gaps in vaccine uptake and fueled vaccine hesitancy.

Globally, approximately 31% of eligible girls have received at least one dose, though the percentage fully completing the recommended series falls well short of the World Health Organization (WHO) cervical cancer elimination target of 90% completion by age 15. The disease still claims the lives of nearly 400,000 people with a cervix worldwide each year.

As vaccine misinformation floods social media, parents and young adults encounter more conflicting messages than ever. Meanwhile, research infrastructure is under threat. In March 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) terminated all funded research on vaccine hesitancy and uptake, telling scientists: “This award no longer effectuates agency priorities.” 

“Watching the headlines and talking to experts in the field, we know this is a critical time,” says cervical cancer survivor Tamika Felder, Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary and co-chair of the American Cancer Society’s National HPV Vaccination Roundtable. “Respected scientists are being dismissed. Research is being defunded. ‘Vaccine’ has become an even more loaded word. And decades of hard-earned progress are at risk.” 

Cervivor Founder Tamika (center) addresses the audience at the 2025 National HPV Conference, a key gathering for leaders in HPV prevention.

For Cervivor Ambassador Zuli Garcia, who will mark her second cancer-versary this November, the issue is deeply personal. As a 2024 Cervivor School graduate and founder of Knock and Drop Iowa, she advocates for underserved families who often face barriers to timely HPV cancer prevention. “I’m living proof of what happens when access comes too late,” says Zuli, who was diagnosed at age 47. “The HPV vaccine represents hope, protection, and equity.”

To cut through the noise and offer clear, trustworthy HPV vaccine facts during National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), we’ve gathered insights from survivors and leading experts. What follows is a breakdown of the most essential information about the HPV vaccine—and why it’s needed to protect future generations from preventable cancers.

Why HPV Vaccination Matters More Than Ever

Every major health authority agrees: The HPV vaccine saves lives from cervical cancer and five other HPV-related cancers—including anal, throat, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Among teen girls, infections with the HPV types that cause most cancers have dropped by 88%, while infections among young women have dropped by 81%, according to a 2024 CDC report. Additionally, among vaccinated women, cervical precancers caused by high-risk HPV types have declined by 40%, with some studies showing up to 80% reductions in high-grade lesions among those vaccinated early.

In countries like Australia and Sweden—thanks to widespread vaccination and strong screening programs—HPV is close to being eliminated as a cause of cervical cancer. 

Dr. Heather Brandt

Dr. Heather Brandt, director of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stresses both the progress made and the work still ahead. “Here we are after almost 20 years of the vaccination being available and still working to make sure people understand how HPV vaccination protects against these diseases,” she says. She recalls feeling “such excitement” at the 2002 International Papillomavirus Conference when early trial results showed the vaccine could prevent HPV-related diseases, pre-cancers, cancers, genital warts, and even recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Today, after more than 15 years and over 500 million doses given worldwide, the vaccine’s safety record remains excellent. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and most reactions are mild, such as temporary soreness or fever. Real-world studies confirm that protection lasts at least 12 years—and likely much longer.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine and When?

Everyone—regardless of gender—should get the HPV vaccine. Here are the latest immunization guidelines: 

  • The ideal time to start is between ages 11 and 12, though it can be given as early as age 9 for maximum protection. 
  • If the first dose is given before age 15, only two doses are needed. 
  • For those starting later or who are immunocompromised, a three-dose series is recommended. 
  • Catch-up vaccination is advised through age 26, and adults up to age 45 may still benefit based on individual risk and guidance from their healthcare provider.

The following infographic provides additional information on when and why the vaccine is so important for saving lives from preventable cancers.

While insurance coverage for older teens and adults varies, several states—including Washington D.C., Virginia, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, plus Puerto Rico—have implemented school-entry requirements for the HPV vaccine. These policies significantly boost community-wide protection.

“HPV affects everyone—men and women—and the vaccine is about cancer prevention, not lifestyle choices,” says a spokesperson from Vaccinate Your Family, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about timely immunizations. Its current #FirstDayVax campaign aligns with CDC recommendations to bundle the HPV vaccine with other routine back-to-school shots, like Tdap and meningitis. 

Common HPV Vaccine Myths—and How to Address Them

Across the U.S.—especially in rural and conservative communities—misinformation and stigma are stalling progress. Rising non-medical exemptions, often fueled by online disinformation, threaten decades of gains for all vaccines, not just HPV. Without research and infrastructure support, public health programs are left without the tools they need to respond.

Kellie DeFelice

As Vaccinate Your Family warns: “Parents are increasingly exposed to false vaccine claims online, where algorithms and bots amplify misleading content and make anti-vaccine rhetoric appear as credible as scientific consensus.” 

Even parents who support vaccines can be swayed. Kellie Defelice, a Cervivor Ambassador, shares: “I was very pro-vaccine. But after reading a story online, I hesitated and turned down the HPV vaccine for my daughter. I regretted that decision when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer.” Her hope for fellow moms: “They see that I’m the real face of what HPV does—it isn’t just an STI. I risked my daughter getting a cancer that has destroyed so much for me.”

Other common myths include:

  • “The HPV vaccine is just for girls.” In fact, HPV affects everyone. Anal cancer rates in both men and women have been rising, with new cases increasing by about 2.2% per year over the past decade, according to the American Cancer Society. While men may not get cervical cancer, they can still contract and spread high-risk HPV strains.
  • “The vaccine encourages promiscuity.” Zuli explains that some parents worry the vaccine is a “permission slip for sex.” But as Vaccinate Your Family counters, “Vaccination does not change behavior—it simply protects against cancer-causing infections.”
  • “The vaccine isn’t necessary until kids are sexually active.” In reality, the vaccine works best before HPV exposure, which is why health organizations now recommend it for children as young as 9 years old.

How to Get Back on Track with HPV Vaccination Targets

Survivors and experts are pushing back against misinformation with evidence, stories, and culturally relevant outreach. Zuli says: “As a survivor, I’ll keep raising my voice until every child, every family, and every community has access to this protection.”

A review of nearly 60 studies conducted between 2006 and 2019 found that strong provider recommendations are among the most important—if not the most important—drivers of vaccine uptake, underscoring the need to equip health professionals with confidence and clarity in vaccine conversations.

Community partnerships also make a difference. In Memphis, the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program helped boost county vaccination rates by 19%, outpacing national averages. In Iowa, Zuli’s team at Knock and Drop Iowa combines bilingual education with on-site vaccinations—reaching 23 people in a single afternoon, she reports. “Meeting people where they are is what works,” Zuli explains. “Education first, vaccines immediately after, in a trusted setting.”

Cervivor Ambassador Zuli Garcia hosts an HPV vaccine outreach event in her home state of Iowa.

Vaccinate Your Family echoes this approach: “Conversations about vaccines should always start with empathy, not judgment. Questions about safety, side effects, or the need for certain vaccines are natural—and families should look to trusted, science-based sources.”

St. Jude’s Dr. Brandt highlights new “compelling” research: “Through our work…we have been discussing the implications of possible changes to the dosing schedule with partners. I know all of us are incredibly excited about the prospect of moving to a single dose in the U.S.”

She also offers caution: “We previously leaned in on the rigor of the FDA-approval processes for childhood vaccinations and then review by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Key changes to these entities may call into question the science. Changes in dosing with any gaps in evidence become fodder for purveyors of misinformation.”

Ultimately, cancer prevention shouldn’t be controversial—it should be celebrated. By recommitting to science, survivor voices, and trusted outreach, we can ensure every person has the chance to thrive, free from preventable cancers.

If you found this blog post helpful, please share it with friends or family members of recommended vaccination age. You may just save a life. 

About the Author

The image is a portrait of a young man with dark skin and short, curly black hair. He is wearing a blue collared shirt and black-framed glasses, and is smiling at the camera. The man has dark skin and short, curly black hair. His hair is cut close to his head, with a slight fade at the sides. His eyebrows are thick and well-groomed. He is wearing a blue collared shirt. The shirt is a medium blue color and appears to be made of a lightweight material. It has a relaxed fit and is buttoned up to the top. He is also wearing black-framed glasses. The frames are rectangular in shape and have a subtle curve at the temples. The lenses are clear and do not appear to have any tint or coating. The man is smiling at the camera. His smile is wide and genuine, showing off his white teeth. His eyes are crinkled at the corners, giving him a friendly and approachable appearance. The background of the image is a plain gray color. The gray is a medium tone, neither too light nor too dark. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows the subject to stand out. Overall, the image presents a friendly and approachable young man who appears to be confident and comfortable in front of the camera

Kyle Minnis is a senior studying Strategic Communications at the University of Kansas. He is currently serving as Cervivor’s Communications Assistant.

What Is Patient Advocacy? And Why It’s Critical in Cervical Cancer Care

By Kyle Minnis, Cervivor Communications Assistant

Peer-led advocacy isn’t just powerful—it’s transformative. According to the National Library of Medicine, programs like Cervivor School—Cervivor’s highly regarded ambassador training program—have quadrupled cervical cancer screening rates in some underserved communities.

Peer and patient advocates provide support to those undergoing treatment, help reduce the stigma of cervical cancer and other conditions, and educate people about prevention and early detection. Perhaps most importantly, they improve survival outcomes. Their work ensures patients are seen and heard while also making the healthcare system more effective and equitable.

To mark National Patient Advocacy Day (August 19), we’re diving into what patient advocacy is, its various forms, and how it has shaped cancer care since the 1950s, when patients and families first began speaking out.

We’ll also celebrate the impact of advocates in our Cervivor community—from everyday actions to global initiatives—and share ways you can get involved in this life-saving work. 

The image is a collage of four photos of women, with a logo in the middle. The logo is white with a teal border and says "NATIONAL PATIENT ADVOCACY DAY" in teal letters. Below that, it says "cervivor" in bigger teal letters, and "informed. empowered. alive." in smaller black letters. Here's what's in the image: Top Left Photo: A woman with long black hair and glasses is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a green jacket over a white shirt and has a name tag on her left lapel. The background is a brick wall. Top Right Photo: A woman with short pink hair is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a dark blue shirt and a thin gold necklace. The background is blurry, but it looks like she's outside. Bottom Left Photo: A woman with medium-length brown hair and red glasses is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a black and white patterned top and has a colorful lei around her neck. The background is a gray wall. Bottom Right Photo: A woman with curly black hair is shown from the chest up. She's wearing a maroon shirt and a silver necklace. The background is white. The image is likely promoting National Patient Advocacy Day, which might be related to cervical cancer awareness because of the "cervivor" logo.

What Is Patient Advocacy in Cancer Care?

First, let’s define what patient advocates do. 

Clinical patient advocates—also called navigators or representatives—help patients understand their diagnosis and options, schedule and keep appointments, navigate insurance, secure resources like transportation or childcare, and coordinate care among multiple providers. Their core principle is to listen to, inform, and empower patients to actively participate in their care.

“A patient navigator is the person who makes the healthcare system accessible,” explains certified navigator Nancy Peña, OPN-CG, CMI, BA, who spent more than a decade in gynecologic oncology clinics at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). “We keep the care plan on track, the information clear, and the patient’s goals at the center. The navigator is the bridge between the patient and the medical team.”

The image shows a woman standing in front of a large sign that reads "RADIO DABANG 99.5 FM." Here's what's in the image: The woman is wearing: A black graphic t-shirt with a colorful design and the word "HOPE" in teal letters White pants Teal sneakers Her hair is styled in a short, curly updo with red highlights She's smiling and has her left hand on her hip The sign behind her features: A cityscape at night with many lit-up buildings The words "RADIO DABANG 99.5 FM" in large letters, with "RADIO" in red and the rest in white and gray The floor is made of gray carpeting with a striped pattern The image appears to be a promotional photo for a radio station, possibly taken in a studio or office. The woman may be a DJ, host, or representative of the station.
Sharica at the cervical cancer walk she organized with local radio support.

Meanwhile, nonclinical advocates—often survivors themselves—focus on building trust, hope, and community connection. Cervivor community member Sharica Lewis, diagnosed with Stage IB2 cervical cancer at age 35 in 2015, shares her journey publicly on Facebook to inspire others.

“Advocacy gives me the opportunity to share my story and support someone who may be struggling to ask questions or speak up,” says Sharica, who graduated from Cervivor School Minneapolis last year and launched her advocacy work by organizing a local cervical cancer awareness walk in her Texas town.

Nancy, who is also the Founder and Director of Navegación de Pacientes Internacional (NPI)—which trains clinical and nonclinical patient advocates in Spanish across the U.S. and Latin America—says the two types of advocates complement each other. Their goal: helping patients navigate the healthcare system while addressing emotional, cultural, and financial barriers to ensure high-quality care for all.

How Patient Advocacy Improves Cervical Cancer Outcomes

Recent studies and national summits have shown that peer and patient advocates significantly increase cervical cancer awareness and prevention—as noted above, sometimes increasing screening rates by up to four times. 

Why does this matter? Regular cervical cancer screenings have cut incidence and mortality by more than 50% over the past several decades, largely thanks to the Pap test, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN). Yet diagnoses in women aged 30 to 44 rose about 1.7% annually from 2012 to 2019, likely due to lower screening rates and gaps in prevention outreach, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS). These numbers make one thing clear: Screening saves lives—and advocates are essential to keeping it top of mind.

Effective hospital patient navigation programs can also have a measurable impact. “At DFCI/BWH, we reduced the no-show rate [for appointments] from 49% to 29% in the first five years,” says Nancy. “This success was possible through staff collaboration, consistent patient education, and multi-lingual resources that ensure every woman knows her next step.”

How Patient Advocacy Helps Close Healthcare Disparities

Here are some sobering facts: In the U.S., Black women are twice as likely—and women living in poverty four times as likely—to die from cervical cancer compared to white women. American Indian and Alaska Native women face two to three times higher mortality, while rural women are more likely to be diagnosed late and die from the disease. 

These disparities underscore the vital role patient advocates play in closing gaps in care and ensuring prevention and treatment reach those who need it most.

Patient advocacy organizations like Cervivor and Nancy’s multilingual, multinational NPI respond to these challenges by offering localized, culturally competent support, adapted education, and strong policy engagement. They earn trust by meeting women where they are and truly listening to their needs—something clinics alone can’t always do.

The image depicts a woman standing at a podium on a stage, addressing an audience. The stage is set with a large screen behind her, displaying a presentation slide titled "Speaker Spotlight" in blue text. Below the title, a circular photo of the speaker, Nancy Peña, is accompanied by her name and credentials in blue text, as well as her title and organization in smaller blue text. The slide's subtitle, "Rising Above Cultural Stigmas and Health Equity," is written in red text.
Certified patient advocate Nancy speaks to the audience at the 2024 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered by Cervivor, Inc.

Both clinical and nonclinical are irreplaceable for designing inclusive cancer care. As Nancy explains: “Native-language navigation improves informed consent, adherence, and satisfaction; reduces errors and no-shows; and honors dignity. When a woman can understand her options and feel supported, outcomes improve—and families and communities feel the difference.”

Advocacy in Action: Sharing Cervical Cancer Survivor Stories

Honduran native Karla Chavez—a Cervivor Ambassador and co-leader of the Cervivor Español community—was diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer at age 34 in 2017. After completing treatment, she says Cervivor was a “lifeline.”

“Attending Cervivor School in 2019 gave me the knowledge, confidence, and community I needed to take my advocacy to another level,” says Karla. “They provided training, resources, and a network of incredible survivors who inspire me daily.”

Since then, the award-winning advocate has participated in outreach through the 2024 Communities of Color Advocacy Training Retreat and delivered remarks during last year’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action (November 17) at a World Health Organization–hosted webinar.

The image depicts a group of people gathered outside a storefront, with one woman prominently wearing a white t-shirt featuring the text "cervivor Cares" in blue and red. The scene appears to be a promotional or awareness event, possibly related to cervical cancer or women's health. Key Elements: A woman in the center of the image is wearing a white t-shirt with the text "cervivor Cares" printed on it. She is holding a pamphlet and engaging in conversation with another woman. The surrounding individuals are also dressed casually, suggesting an informal gathering. The storefront behind them features a sign reading "SALLY Beauty," indicating that the event is taking place outside a beauty supply store.
Karla in action during community outreach in Cleveland, OH, at last year’s Communities of Color Advocacy Training Retreat.

Similarly, Cervivor Ambassador Emily Hoffman—diagnosed with Stage II cervical cancer and treated in 2013—has made advocacy a central part of her life. Her “airplane advocacy”—simple, one-on-one conversations, often sparked by the HPV button she wears—can be just as impactful as speaking at larger events, like her home state’s Iowa Vaccination Summit, where she presented last September.

Emily also champions cancer registries, which are essential for improving patient outcomes and securing public health funding. In 2020, she became a certified cancer registrar, sharing, “Knowing my work could impact cancer advocacy, policy, and research—that’s the fulfillment I was looking for.”

The image depicts a group of women seated in a conference room, with five women prominently featured on the right side of the frame. They are all wearing name tags and appear to be engaged in a discussion or presentation. The women are dressed in casual attire, with some wearing blazers or cardigans over their shirts. The woman on the far left has short gray hair and is wearing a black blazer over a white blouse with a floral pattern. The second woman from the left has short blonde hair and is wearing a black blazer over a white t-shirt with blue and red writing. The third woman from the left has short blonde hair with multicolored highlights and is wearing a gray cardigan over a dark blue shirt. The fourth woman from the left has dark hair pulled back and is wearing a gray cardigan over a gray t-shirt with red writing that reads "IOWA NEEDS VACCINES." The woman on the far right has dark hair pulled back and is wearing a black hoodie over a gray shirt. In the foreground, several other women are seated at tables, facing the five women on the right. The background of the image features large windows that allow natural light to enter the room and provide a view of the outside environment. The overall atmosphere of the image suggests a professional or educational setting, possibly a conference or workshop.
Emily (center) shared her lived experience and advocacy insights at the 2024 Iowa Immunization Summit alongside Cervivor’s Community Engagement Liaison, fellow Iowan Morgan Newman (second from left).

How to Get Involved in Patient Advocacy

Patient advocacy is more important than ever. Public health initiatives—including the CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), which has helped reduce U.S. cancer death rates by 34% since 1991—face increasing threats.

If getting into patient or survivor advocacy feels overwhelming, take inspiration and advice from these Cervivor community members. 

“Start small and start from the heart,” says Karla. “At first, I didn’t know how to share my story—I was still processing everything I had gone through. What motivated me was the feeling of isolation. I didn’t know anyone else who had experienced what I had. I wanted to talk to someone and not feel alone.”

Sharica takes a similar approach: “My tag line is, ‘Let’s start the conversation!’” she says. “Cervivor has empowered me by giving me a community that understands me and everything that I’ve been through. Any opportunity I get to advocate, I’m grateful for it. I get excited when I post on social media and a parent comments that they had their child vaccinated.”

The image depicts a group of five women standing together, posing for a photograph in front of a vibrant balloon backdrop. The women are dressed in various outfits, with the central figure holding a certificate. The woman on the far left is attired in a black cardigan and blue jeans. The second woman from the left wears a white dress. The third woman, positioned centrally, holds a certificate and is dressed in a patterned dress. The fourth woman from the left is wearing a black top and patterned pants. The woman on the far right is dressed in a teal dress. The background features a wall adorned with balloons in shades of white, blue, and silver, accompanied by white flowers. A projector screen is visible on the right side of the image, displaying a logo and the text "IT'S GRADUATION TIME!" in blue letters. The floor is composed of dark tiles arranged in a geometric pattern. The overall atmosphere of the image suggests that the women are celebrating a special occasion or achievement, as indicated by the certificate being held by the central figure.
Sharica proudly displays her 2024 Cervivor School certificate of completion, surrounded by Team Cervivor, including Founder and Chief Visionary Tamika Felder (far right).

Ready to get involved? Here’s how: 

  • Join a support group or peer network like Cervivor, which hosts monthly virtual meetups and other opportunities to connect with fellow survivors.
  • Attend advocacy trainings through programs like Cervivor School. (Applications sign up Friday, August 22, so sign up now for next month’s Kansas City training!)
  • Share your Cervivor Story—on social media, in your community, or at local events.
  • Volunteer for patient- or survivor-led initiatives.
  • Donate to organizations like Cervivor that empower patient advocates. (Our Tell 20, Give 20 fundraising campaign is ongoing—learn how to join and help save lives!)
  • Contact policymakers and lend your voice to legislative efforts that expand access to prevention, treatment, and care.

As patient navigation and advocacy continue to grow—with expanded training, certification programs, multilingual initiatives, and recognition by hospitals and public agencies—there’s hope that equitable care will become the norm, not the exception.

Nancy sums up the work well: “Navigation is a practical expression of equity.”

Together—by sharing stories, showing up for each other, and pushing for change—patient advocates are leading the way toward ending cervical cancer and building a future defined by equity, support, and survivor strength.

Honor National Patient Advocacy Day by sharing this post and joining the mission to end cervical cancer!

About the Author

The image is a portrait of a young man with dark skin and short, curly black hair. He is wearing a blue collared shirt and black-framed glasses, and is smiling at the camera. The man has dark skin and short, curly black hair. His hair is cut close to his head, with a slight fade at the sides. His eyebrows are thick and well-groomed. He is wearing a blue collared shirt. The shirt is a medium blue color and appears to be made of a lightweight material. It has a relaxed fit and is buttoned up to the top. He is also wearing black-framed glasses. The frames are rectangular in shape and have a subtle curve at the temples. The lenses are clear and do not appear to have any tint or coating. The man is smiling at the camera. His smile is wide and genuine, showing off his white teeth. His eyes are crinkled at the corners, giving him a friendly and approachable appearance. The background of the image is a plain gray color. The gray is a medium tone, neither too light nor too dark. It provides a neutral backdrop that allows the subject to stand out. Overall, the image presents a friendly and approachable young man who appears to be confident and comfortable in front of the camera

Kyle Minnis is a senior studying Strategic Communications at the University of Kansas. He is currently serving as Cervivor’s Communications Assistant.