SundhedOpdateretmarts 26, 2026

The HPV vaccine and cancer prevention: Exploring the potential for healthcare leadership

Efter: Kristen Eckler, MD, FACOG
The doctor glues arm of young female patient with plaster
The HPV vaccine has accumulated significant wins in reducing rates of cancer mortality. Clinical leaders are perfectly positioned to keep the momentum.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viruses that can cause cancer, and it has been linked to malignancy in more than six areas of the human body. Twelve HPV strains are associated with cancers in both men and women, including throat, anal, penile, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer, according to the World Health Organization.

The HPV vaccine has been outstandingly effective in preventing cervical cancer and improving patients’ lives—and there are still significant gains on the horizon for administrative and clinical leaders who understand the dynamics of the disease and vaccine.

Victories in cancer prevention—The benefits of HPV vaccination

In 2022, more than 830,000 cancer cases and 420,000 deaths were attributable to HPV infection. HPV is believed to be responsible for the following percentages of cancers in these body parts in the US:
  • Cervix: 91%
  • Anus: 91%
  • Vagina: 75%
  • Oropharynx: 70%
  • Vulva: 69%
  • Penis: 63%

The most common type of cancer caused by HPV, cervical cancer, was a leading cause of death among women in the US. Wider use of Pap tests, HPV screening, and the HPV vaccine have helped decrease the rate of HPV infections and genital warts by 88%. Among women between ages 20 and 24 (the first patients to receive the vaccine after its introduction in 2006) cervical cancer rates dropped 65% between 2012 and 2019. Researchers in Scotland have discovered that women vaccinated at 12-13 years old retained high rates of protection against serious cervical precancerous legions. 

Understanding the HPV vaccine and cancer prevention

Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, having the ability to infect both men and women. In most cases of HPV, the immune system clears the virus within two years. But in some cases, the body isn’t able to get rid of the infection. In cancer-causing infections, it can linger and turn normal cells into abnormal ones, which can then become cancer.

Cancers caused by HPV infection have become highly preventable, largely thanks to clinical leaders' efforts in improving screening and vaccine uptake — over 90% of infections are preventable, according to CDC. An increase in vaccine uptake has the potential benefits of reduced cancer risk, improved sexual health and overall well-being, and better quality of life for patients and communities.

The role of healthcare providers and administrative leaders in promoting HPV vaccination

Administrative and clinical leaders play a critical role in reducing HPV infections and associated cancers by making HPV vaccination accessible to all. But there have been some challenges to implementing proactive and preventive healthcare with the HPV vaccine.

Supporting access and affordability

Ideally, all patients should have access to evidence-based cancer prevention. Unfortunately, HPV is the most expensive of the routinely recommended pediatric vaccines. In the U.S. the vaccine can cost upwards of $200 before insurance. The financial returns can also be low for certain providers.

This means administrators can play a key role in addressing disparities in access to care. Clinical leaders can reduce hurdles by negotiating vaccine coverage and by ensuring adequate reimbursement for providers, who can then provide access to their communities.

Research released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows that a single dose of the HPV vaccine provides long-lasting protection against HPV infection, even 15 years after vaccination. This finding highlights potential cost savings for healthcare systems, enabling broader vaccine access or enhanced screening services.

Addressing stigma and social determinants of health

When the vaccine first became available, some people had concerns that its use could encourage sexual activity, particularly in young people. This concern has resulted in social stigma around the vaccine and raised parents’ concerns. However, studies support a different perspective.

Parents report a lack of confidence in vaccine decision-making, a desire for more information, and a dissatisfaction with provider encounters, along with concerns around necessity and safety. Clinical leaders have a unique opportunity to address patient vaccine hesitancy with compassion, combat misinformation and establish trust, and encourage shared decision-making.

Demographic factors like social determinants of health can also influence HPV awareness. A recent study found significant variation in understanding the connection between the virus and cancer based on educational level and race.

Regarding awareness of HPV vaccines:

  • Less than high school 34.7%
  • College degree or higher 74.7%
  • Asian individuals 48.4%
  • White individuals 68.2%

Regarding knowledge that HPV causes cervical cancer (among adults aware of HPV):

  • Less than high school 51.7%
  • College degree or higher 84.7%
  • Black individuals 66.0%
  • Asian individuals 77.9%

Evidence-based care can effectively promote the screening and treatment of HPV-related cancers, but disparities exist. Black and Hispanic populations, as well as women in low-resource areas, are much less likely to have access to evidence-based care and, thus, have higher rates of mortality. This finding is significant, since access to evidence-based care contributes to differences in patient outcomes.

Fostering a healthy patient-provider relationship

Progress in increasing HPV vaccination rates will rely on a healthy patient-provider relationship.

Administrators should encourage providers to listen to patients’ health goals, objections, and concerns, so that they can work together to create an acceptable vaccination plan. This effort includes facilitating clinicians’ access to the tools, content, and technology that supports personalized and effective conversations with patients.

Clinical leaders have the opportunity to reverse HPV-attributable cancer trends through the awareness of the HPV vaccine, screening, and prevention. Success will rely on advanced patient engagement and tracking outcomes in care populations to optimize results.

For insights on how healthcare leaders can prioritize preventive care, like immunizations, and use technology to focus on prevention strategies, alleviate clinician burdens, and connect with patients, read the UpToDate Point of Care Report: “Leveraging AI for prevention.”

Complete the form to download the UpToDate Point of Care Report, “Leveraging AI for prevention”
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Kristen Eckler, MD, FACOG
Director, Clinical Content – Editorial Marketing and Deputy Editor — Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Wolters Kluwer Health
Dr. Eckler is a board-certified clinical specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with a focus on Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Menopause, and Female Sexual Dysfunction.
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