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, 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.

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

April 10, 2025April 11, 2025

Cervical Cancer in Rural America: The Roots of the Problem and Seeds of Hope

Based on the latest U.S. Census, roughly 20% of Americans—about 62.8 million people—live in rural areas, from the Deep South to Midwestern farmlands to border towns out West. While rural life offers perks like a lower cost of living, less congestion, and star-filled skies, these benefits often come with limited healthcare options and other barriers to access.

And when it comes to cancer—cervical cancer, in particular—the trade-offs can mean life or death.

Although cancer death rates have declined nationwide, they remain higher and have decreased more slowly in rural areas compared to urban ones, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cervical cancer death rates are especially high in some rural regions. In places like Appalachian Kentucky, they are nearly double the national average. A major reason? Women in these areas are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, when the disease is harder to treat.

Behind these statistics are real women and families—with excessive wait times to see nearby doctors, lower human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, and healthcare often clouded by stigma or medical bias. For National Public Health Week (April 6–12)—a time to advocate for health equity for all Americans—Cervivor, Inc. is digging into the complex challenge of reducing cervical cancer deaths in rural communities across the country.

These survivors’ stories underscore the urgency of addressing rural health disparities and the personal nature of this preventable disease—stories like Julianna’s.

Julianna’s Story

Six months before her 2020 cervical cancer diagnosis, Julianna Ferrone began experiencing symptoms such as bloating, bleeding, prolonged periods, and back pain. Living in Auburn, Alabama—a small college town with just one hospital and 300 doctors serving 11 counties—the 27-year-old had limited healthcare options and felt like she wasn’t being “taken seriously.” Making matters worse, many gynecologists in the area weren’t accepting new patients due to the pandemic. Her symptoms continued to worsen.

“After realizing I was not going to get the medical attention I needed locally due to limited resources, I found a doctor at the Georgia Cancer Center, over 100 miles away,” shares Julianna, who wrote a lengthy letter explaining her symptoms, concerns, and lack of access to care. The Georgia doctor saw her within two weeks.

During that first visit, the doctor gave Julianna a physical exam, noted her symptoms, and did an overdue cervical cancer screening. When the results came back abnormal, they developed a treatment plan that included four rounds of Cisplatin chemotherapy (to kill or slow cancer cells), 25 pelvic radiation treatments (to target cancer cells in the area), and two rounds of brachytherapy (internal radiation placed near the tumor). Before treatments could begin, however, Julianna required multiple surgeries.

*Julianna’s “big belly photo,” before undergoing several surgeries to remove cancerous and scar tissue.*

“The big belly photo was taken the day before my exploratory surgery when doctors removed my appendix because the cancer had spread there as well as endometriosis scar tissue,” says Julianna of this image of her bloated stomach. That same day, she underwent a colposcopy to examine her cervix for cancer, which returned abnormal results as well. Days later, she endured a four-hour hysterectomy that included the removal of multiple lymph nodes. On top of these grueling procedures and treatments, she spent countless hours commuting to Georgia from Alabama with her mother.

She has since experienced a recurrence and relocated to the Atlanta suburbs for better access to ongoing care. “Even living an hour outside Atlanta, there’s still a huge health disparity,” Julianna observes. “But I’m grateful to have surveillance appointments every three months at the cancer center.”

Today, the 2023 Cervivor School graduate advocates for awareness and prevention, lobbying state legislators, participating in American Cancer Society panels, and securing a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in Georgia—a feat she was “ecstatic” about.

“This cancer is preventable—and we need to start talking about it,” she says, emphasizing that thousands of lives in Georgia could be saved through awareness. “There is such a stigma surrounding HPV and cervical cancer, especially in the South.”

*Julianna at Cervivor School Seattle in 2023, where her passion for patient advocacy was ignited, leading to lobbying efforts in Georgia.*

Breaking Barriers to Care: Stigma and Bias

Since 1991, the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) has provided free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests to over 5.6 million women, detecting more than 57,000 breast cancer cases and 12,000 cervical cancer cases. Operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, the program collaborates with local health organizations to offer these life-saving services. Its goal? Reaching women at risk of delayed or skipped screenings.

Despite the public health program’s success, stigma remains—especially in some rural and conservative communities—where visiting a free clinic can lead to assumptions about a person’s financial or sexual health status.

*During a panel on HPV vaccination at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit, Dr. Deanna Kepka shared her experience working on successful public health initiatives in Utah.*

Dr. Deanna Kepka, PhD, MPH, a researcher at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, works closely with rural and religious communities in Utah, including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Speaking at Cervivor’s 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit, she described how stigma around sexual health often delays screenings and deters HPV vaccination.

She recalled working with Mandy Murray, a woman from a conservative LDS background who developed cervical cancer after experiencing sexual abuse. Although Mandy initially kept her diagnosis private, she eventually shared her story in 2018 through a book and on the Cervivor Blog, helping to raise awareness about cervical cancer screening and early detection as well as to show the power of breaking shame-induced silence.

Cervivor community member Claudia Pérez-Favela, who lives in California’s agricultural Imperial Valley, knows that stigma and bias can also exist within the medical system itself. Diagnosed with pre-cervical dysplasia caused by HPV in April 2018, she waited months to see a gynecologist while experiencing irregular periods and heavy bleeding. With a family history of ovarian cancer, Claudia chose to undergo a radical hysterectomy, including the removal of her ovaries. She was declared NED (No Evidence of Disease) just one month later.

But for Claudia, the hardest part wasn’t the wait—it was the care she received after her diagnosis. “From the moment I was diagnosed, I was met with judgment and misinformation,” she recalls. She was told her husband must have been unfaithful and faced other outdated assumptions. “The physician assistant didn’t explain my condition professionally—she let her personal bias take over because my cancer was HPV-related. Everything I now know about cervical cancer, I learned thanks to Cervivor.”

Living in a rural area made it difficult to find an alternate provider. She says, “When options are limited, you’re stuck with whoever is available—even if they’re overworked, unprofessional, or biased.” Today, Claudia often crosses the border into Mexico for more accessible, respectful care. “I can see a specialist there within a week.”

Turning the Tide on HPV Vaccination

Research confirms that the HPV vaccine saves lives. In countries like Australia and Rwanda—where vaccination rates exceed 85% and 90%, respectively—cervical cancer is on the path to elimination.

The U.S. has a long way to go. In 2019, the CDC highlighted the “urgent need” to increase the national HPV vaccination rate to 80%, reporting that the vaccine could prevent up to 92% of HPV-related cancers, which still account for nearly 50,000 new cases annually, including about 12,000 cervical cancer cases. However, as of 2022, only 38.6% of children ages 9 to 17 in the U.S. had received at least one dose, according to a National Health Interview Survey. (Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for this age group, and three for those 18 and older.)

The same year, data showed disparities in HPV vaccination rates based on where kids lived: 40% of children in large metropolitan areas had received at least one dose, compared to just 30% in nonmetropolitan areas. Additionally, a 2025 study on overall childhood vaccination trends found that rural areas not only lag behind in vaccination rates but are also seeing slower increases compared to urban regions.

April 7 to 11 is Adolescent Immunization Action Week (AIAW25), a great reminder for all families to stay on TASK with vaccines: Trust reliable sources (like Cervivor!), Ask questions, Schedule vaccines, and Know where to get vaccinated.

Despite ongoing challenges for vaccine advocates—and recent headlines about deadly measles outbreaks among unvaccinated children in rural Texas—there have also been notable successes.

In Utah, Dr. Kepka recounts how partnerships between the state health department and local providers have transformed HPV vaccination rates. “When I started working in Utah, we were always ranked 45th, 46th, or 47th in vaccination rates, and it was difficult to get healthcare team members on board,” she recalls.

Today, Utah leads the country, thanks largely to its vaccine registry, which identifies children eligible for vaccination as early as age 9. This proactive approach allows families to protect their children before puberty and becoming sexually active, making the vaccine an “easier pill to swallow” for LDS and other conservative families, Dr. Kepka explains.

Bringing Care Closer to Home

Beyond these barriers, one of the greatest challenges facing rural Americans in accessing care is often, quite literally, the distance to healthcare services, as survivor Julianna experienced.

Cervivor’s Community Engagement Liaison, Morgan Newman, who grew up in Greenfield, an Iowa town of 2,000, has experienced these disparities firsthand. “Specialists, including gynecologic oncologists, are limited, and patients face obstacles like transportation, lodging, time off work, and finances,” says Morgan, whose advocacy is rooted in her own cervical cancer diagnosis at age 24. “Iowa currently ranks second in overall cancer incidence, just behind Kentucky,” she says, citing both lifestyle and environmental factors such as high levels of radon. “It’s scary.”

Now working on the front lines of public health with Iowa experts, Morgan travels across the state to attend events ranging from school nurse conferences to HPV vaccination initiatives. She also serves on the Iowa Cancer Consortium Board of Directors and is committed to improving healthcare access, cervical cancer awareness, immunization education, and cancer policy.

Morgan, Iowa State Lead Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), advocates for better healthcare access for all Iowans—including a recent day of educating state officials. *Afterward, she helped host a virtual support group for the Cervivor community.*

Several promising solutions have been proposed to close the cervical cancer care gap in rural communities—and bring life-saving health services closer to home—though challenges remain in scaling these efforts:

Expand Screening Options: New self-collection HPV tests offer a discreet and convenient way to get screened, helping to reduce barriers such as transportation and long appointment wait times. However, widespread adoption will require targeted education for patients, providers, and communities, particularly in rural areas.
Increase Vaccine Access Points: Mobile vaccine clinics have proven successful when set up in accessible locations, such as Walmart parking lots on payday in Appalachian Kentucky. Utilizing pharmacies, school-based programs, dental offices, and providers through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program can bring vaccines closer to where families live, work, and shop.
Leverage Telehealth: Follow-up care via telehealth allows patients to consult with providers without traveling long distances. While access to high-speed internet remains a challenge in some rural areas, many patients can still connect via cell phones, satellite service, or computers at local libraries.

Seeds of Hope: The Power of Rural Voices

“Storytelling and personal recommendations are key in rural areas,” one public health researcher shared with Cervivor. “Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for spreading information.”

This is why Cervivor Founder and Chief Visionary, Tamika Felder, launched the organization 20 years ago. “I’ve always believed that sharing your story can change minds—and change the world,” she says. Since then, hundreds of survivors have shared their Cervivor Stories.

Reflecting on her experience with medical bias, California-based Cervivor Ambassador Claudia—now an active bilingual advocate in her rural community—believes survivors can educate healthcare providers. “HPV and cervical cancer are rarely discussed, leading to misinformation—even among healthcare workers. This fosters stigma, silence, and leaves women feeling isolated.” She adds, “Survivors can teach healthcare providers how clear, empathetic communication can make all the difference—or how its absence can cause harm.”

*For her dedicated advocacy, Claudia received the Cervivor Rising Star Award from founder Tamika at the 2024 Cervivor School in Minneapolis.*

Utah-based Dr. Kepka stresses that women’s health is a community issue and needs community-driven solutions. “Don’t give up,” she encourages fellow health workers and advocates. “Keep sharing the facts—this is a ‘cancer-prevention vaccine’ or a ‘new approach for cervical cancer screening’—and be present in the community.”

Cervivor is equally committed to addressing health disparities and misinformation in rural areas through:

Educational Outreach: The #Screen4Me campaign promotes life-saving cervical cancer screening and early detection nationwide. Through groups like Cervivor Español and initiatives like Cervivor Cares, we provide vital information to diverse communities using multilingual resources.
Resource Support: Cervivor offers critical resources to underserved communities with initiatives like Cervivor Cares Gift Cards (for which you can nominate yourself or someone else or be sponsored) and the Comfort Care & Compassion Program (which can also be requested).
Community Support: Creating Connections is a regular virtual support group that gives cervical cancer patients and survivors a safe, welcoming space to share, heal, and find community—from the comfort of home. Register for the May 2025 gathering.
Credible Information: Through the Cervivor website, podcast, CervivorTV, and social media channels, we share actionable tips and public health guidance to help people stay informed about cervical cancer prevention.

*Claudia (first from left) and other members of Cervivor Español do bilingual outreach around the country and in their local communities.*

Ultimately, planting seeds of hope—through individual stories and grassroots efforts—may offer the greatest potential for reducing cervical cancer death rates and ensuring that the next generation of rural Americans is free from HPV-related cancers, like cervical cancer.

Support the Mission!

Cervivor is leading the fight to eliminate cervical cancer here and around the globe. Support our mission through the Tell 20, Give 20 campaign, designed to spread awareness and continue to fund life-saving initiatives. (Read about the campaign’s success thus far and how to get involved.)

Have questions about this blog post or anything related to Cervivor or cervical cancer? Send them our way at [email protected]. Have your own Cervivor Story to share? Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch!