American Cancer Society

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.

Confronting Cervical Cancer Disparities in AANHPI Communities by Bridging Cultural Barriers

In this second blog post for AANHPI Heritage Month, we explore the health disparities affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cervical cancer survivors.

Previously, Cervivor community members Arlene Simpson (Filipina), Joslyn Chaiprasert-Paguio (Chinese-Thai), Anna Ogo (Japanese), and Anh Le (Vietnamese) shared their diverse experiences, revealing a shared truth: While stigma and cultural silence around cervical and other “below-the-belt” cancers are common, their impact varies across AANHPI communities.

Despite these differences, many face similar systemic barriers to prevention, screening, and timely care—barriers that continue to cost lives. Case in point:

  • According to the American Cancer Society, Pap test screening is significantly lower among Chinese (69%) and Asian Indian (74%) women compared to white women (84%). This gap in screening may contribute to later-stage diagnoses and worse outcomes. 
  • HPV vaccination rates also lag behind national averages. A 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report found that only 58% of Asian American adolescents had initiated the HPV vaccine series—lower than their Hispanic (73%) and White (61%) counterparts.
  • A 2024 ACS article also noted that while cervical cancer rates are higher in some parts of Asia, many AANHPI individuals are unaware of risks based on their country of origin. 

Experts and survivors highlight the following key challenges to reversing these trends as well as some promising progress: 

Language Barriers

Dr. Ha Ngan “Milkie” Vu

Asian Americans come from over 30 countries and speak more than 100 languages and dialects, explains Dr. Ha Ngan “Milkie” Vu, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. These linguistic and cultural differences often make accessing health information difficult.

As Arlene shares, “Medical terms don’t always translate clearly, and jargon makes it harder. Even basic words like ‘cervix’ don’t translate well in some cultures.” Joslyn, featured in Everyday Health, says, “In Thai, there’s no direct word for cervix—it’s described as a ‘plug’ that keeps the baby in. Without a proper term, how do you talk about your body?”

These communication challenges are often compounded by a lack of in-language medical materials. Dr. Jennifer Tsui, Associate Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, recalls translating for her Asian immigrant grandparents at medical visits—an experience common to many second-generation individuals. Through her current work on the National Cancer Institute-funded ACHIEVE Study, which examines barriers to cervical cancer treatment and survivorship care, she has found that many patients want materials in their native language to understand whether the vaccine has been tested in their communities and if it’s effective for different Asian American groups.

Dr. Jennifer Tsui

Bridging these language gaps often requires more than translation—it takes cultural nuance. Dr. Zhengchun Lu, a cancer pathologist and resident physician at Oregon Health & Science University, originally from Zhenjiang, China, actively works to meet patients where they are. She communicates with Chinese-speaking patients and adapts CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) materials into formats that resonate culturally. For other language needs, she collaborates with hospital interpreters. “Removing language barriers also removes fear—people feel empowered to get screened,” she says.

Dr. Zhengchun Lu

To support these efforts, organizations like the American Cancer Society offer multilingual resources through their “Cancer Information in Other Languages” initiative, which provides materials in 13 languages, including Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Making vital information more accessible is a crucial step toward equity in prevention and care.

Limited Awareness, Not Hesitancy

In the first post, Dr. Lu emphasized that many AANHPI patients simply lack awareness about HPV and the need for regular cervical cancer screenings. The same goes for the HPV vaccine.

Dr. Tsui’s research confirms this: “Many people hadn’t heard of the HPV vaccine or didn’t know it helps prevent multiple cancers.”

Adolescents often help bridge the gap. “Teens are more acculturated and read the materials—they’re the ones bringing this information home and influencing family decisions,” she says.

Trusted community messengers also matter. “In many Asian communities, people rely on their aunts, grandmothers, and community leaders,” says Dr. Tsui. “That’s why strong local partnerships are key.”

Navigating a Complicated Health System

Confusion about the U.S. healthcare system can delay screenings and treatment. While many AANHPI communities hold physicians in high regard and prefer care from well-known institutions, accessing these systems—or even getting a second opinion—can be complicated, explains Dr. Tsui.

For patients with abnormal Pap results, referrals to specialists often mean traveling to unfamiliar facilities without language support, creating additional barriers. Demanding work schedules further complicate making and keeping appointments.

To address this, Dr. Lu’s team partners with local groups to host screening events staffed by bilingual volunteers. “Bringing services directly to the community has built trust and boosted participation,” she says.

She also sees promise in HPV self-collection. “It’s not a home test, but it can be offered at outreach events under medical supervision. It’s more private, more flexible, and less intimidating—especially for those wary of pelvic exams.”

Dr. Lu works with Rabeka Ali, the research coordinator at OHSU Pathology, during an HPV testing event at a Chinese church in Portland, OR.

Lack of Gender Concordance

“In our Filipino culture, especially among older generations, there’s a belief that you don’t question the doctor—or that traditional remedies are better,” says Arlene. “But many women also feel uncomfortable discussing reproductive health with male doctors and may avoid care because of it.”

Dr. Tsui agrees. “Women are less likely to follow up if they don’t feel comfortable with their provider. In local Asian American communities like our Chinatown, having female doctors can make all the difference.”

Anti-Asian and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

Lingering fear from the pandemic and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric have also impacted care-seeking behaviors. A 2024 Axios/Harris poll found that 50% of Americans support mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, fueling anxiety in immigrant communities.

“There was definitely a delay in seeking care—not just because of COVID, but because of fear,” says Dr. Tsui. Many in the AANHPI community avoided medical visits due to rising anti-Asian sentiment and concerns about overusing medical resources—or fears that if they left the country, they might not be allowed to return.

This fear compounded the silence around health issues like cervical cancer, which only deepened stigma, Arlene adds. “It’s more important than ever to speak up, share our stories, and help Asian women feel safe and supported.”

Dr. Tsui’s team regularly works in Asian American communities around USC.

Dr. Tsui sees hope in community-driven efforts: “It’s not all doom and gloom. In cities like San Francisco, LA, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, AANHPI organizations are stepping up. Local clinics and advocates are helping people understand their rights and access life-saving care—just as they did during the pandemic.”

Cultural Beliefs and Cancer Fatalism

Dr. Tingting Zhang

In a 2024 American Cancer Society article, Dr. Tingting Zhang, a thyroid cancer survivor, patient advocate, and CEO of ONEiHEALTH, noted: “Some AANHPI individuals may avoid discussing cancer risk, viewing it as a bad omen or personal failure. But cancer is not retribution—it’s biology. And early detection saves lives.”

Cancer fatalism is a well-documented barrier. As Dr. Vu adds, “In my research, Filipino and Vietnamese respondents reported especially high levels of fatalistic beliefs. That mindset can lead to inaction—people believe they can’t change their outcomes, so they don’t engage in prevention. That’s why education is key: the HPV vaccine prevents cancer. We need to make that message loud and clear.”

Let’s Keep Breaking the Silence

At Cervivor, Inc. we believe that every story matters—and every voice can spark change. If you are an AANHPI cervical cancer survivor, caregiver, or advocate, we invite you to join our community. Better yet, share your unique Cervivor Story. (Submit your story here.) Together, we can dismantle stigma, increase awareness, and save lives.