HPV Cancer
Prevention Program

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program aims to reduce human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancer deaths locally and nationally by increasing HPV vaccination rates.

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Learn About Us

HPV Vaccination is
Cancer Prevention

Our activities focus on galvanizing existing successful efforts
and introducing new ones in support of increasing HPV vaccination through:

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In the News

Healthcare providers can play a big role in helping people in rural communities recognize the importance of HPV vaccination. Heather Brandt, PhD, director of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program, discusses a recent panel discussion with rural residents about their attitudes and concerns about vaccinating.

In the news

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and Karla Chavez, a cervical cancer survivor, answered our questions about her cancer journey.

In the News

Wide Open Spaces: Supporting HPV Vaccination in Rural Communities: Caryn Peterson, PhD, of the University of Illinois Chicago discusses the importance increasing the uptake of the HPV vaccine in rural areas where the instances of cancers related to HPV are high and the rate of vaccination is low.

In the news

Reducing HPV Cancer Stigma with PRIDE: Calvin Nokes shares his cancer survival story. Learn more.

In the news

Partnering with universities may be a way to increase HPV vaccination among young people, says Min Jee Lee, PhD, of Southern Illinois University. She shares her ideas here.

About the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus in both men and women that causes six types of cancer. Nearly all men and women get the virus at some point in their lives. There is good news. A safe and effective vaccine that provides long-lasting protection against HPV cancers is available.

HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 9 to 26 years and for some people aged 27 to 45 years. HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. However, uptake of HPV vaccination in the United States has been slow and lower than the national Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%.

Download a PDF overview of the program

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Protecting Alana's Possibilities

Did you know HPV vaccination can begin at age 9? Starting HPV vaccination at age 9 has many benefits to offer a lifetime of protection against HPV cancers. Julia shares why she chose to protect her daughter Alana’s possibilities.

Read the story

National Programs

The Path to a Bright Future public awareness campaign promotes on-time HPV vaccination for 9–12-year-olds and supports equitable administration of HPV vaccination for all people.

Find out how you can help

Explore resources

Preventing HPV Cancers in Rural Communities

Rural life is a choice made by 1 in 5 people, but they don’t choose to be at higher risk of cancers, including HPV cancers. HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. We are acting to ensure those living in rural America are protected too.

Learn more

Regional Programs

Working to Boost HPV Vaccination Rates in the Southeastern U.S.

The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast is a group of people and partners from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Puerto Rico working together to change the story about HPV vaccination in their states.

Get involved

Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee Programs

The Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable is a collaboration of healthcare, community, and advocacy partners who work together to increase HPV vaccination and prevent HPV cancers in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee.

Learn more