Nearly every person will be exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV) during their lifetime. While most infections are resolved without causing problems, persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types can lead to several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Fortunately, most HPV-related cancers are preventable through vaccination.
Why This Matters in Ohio
Ohio continues to experience a higher burden of HPV-associated cancers than the national average. Between 2016 and 2020, an average of 1,958 Ohioans were diagnosed with an HPV-associated cancer each year, with rates remaining 11% higher than the U.S. average. Appalachian counties continue to see some of the state’s highest incidence rates, highlighting ongoing disparities in prevention and access to care. HPV-associated cancer rates have also risen significantly among males over the past two decades.
Although HPV vaccination rates continue to improve, many adolescents are still not fully vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to cancers that can often be prevented.
The Family Physician’s Role
A strong recommendation from a trusted family physician remains one of the most effective ways to increase HPV vaccination. Presenting the HPV vaccine as a routine part of adolescent preventive care, alongside other recommended immunizations, helps normalize vaccination and improve acceptance.
- Lead with a confident, routine recommendation
- Listen with empathy and address concerns using evidence-based information
- Emphasize that HPV vaccination is cancer prevention
- Use reminder systems and team-based workflows to reduce missed vaccination opportunities.
Every member of the care team can help reinforce consistent messaging and create a culture that supports vaccination.
Every Recommendation Counts
Family physicians have a unique opportunity to prevent cancer before it starts. By making a strong recommendation, addressing vaccine hesitancy with compassion, and ensuring every eligible patient has the opportunity to be vaccinated, physicians can help improve vaccination rates and reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers across Ohio.
OAFP Resource
EasyPI: HPV Vaccination track
OAFP’s EasyPI HPV Vaccination Track provides practical tools, evidence-based resources, and step-by-step guidance to help improve HPV vaccination rates while allowing physicians to complete an American Board of Family Medicine Performance Improvement activity and earn CME credit.
This spotlight is proudly supported by our Partner in Health, Merck; however, all content and data come from independent sources.
About Partners in Health
The OAFP’s Partners in Health Program is an online resource that contains links to organizations that provide patient education and high-value tools designed to support family physicians and their care teams in delivering optimal frontline care.
If you have questions about the OAFP’s Partners in Health Program, please contact Deputy Executive Vice President Kaitlin McGuffie or call 800.742.7327.