VIEW THE 2023-2033 PENNSYLVANIA CANCER CONTROL PLAN

HPV/HBV Related Cancers Workgroup

Mission: Increase the HPV vaccination rates across Pennsylvania as one of the strategies to reduce cancer.

The best way to fight cancer is to prevent it before it starts. The Pennsylvania Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (PA CCCP), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition (PCC), has prioritized the Primary Prevention of Cancer by promoting vaccines that prevent cancers associated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Viral Hepatitis.

Infection from HPV has been linked to several cancers in both males and females, such as cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, penile and cancers of the vagina or vulva. In the U.S., nearly 36,000 people are estimated to be affected by a cancer caused by HPV infection each year. Many people will never know they were infected with HPV.

HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11-12 years. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. All preteens need HPV vaccination so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life. Teens through age 26 years should be routinely vaccinated for HPV.

Males and females ages 27-45 years who have not received the HPV vaccine may benefit from getting vaccinated. A discussion of risks and benefits with their doctor is necessary to determine if HPV vaccination is recommended.

People with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) have the greatest risk for liver cancer. As of 2017, it is estimated that 50,000 Pennsylvanians are chronically infected with hepatitis B and over 200,000 with hepatitis C. The liver cancer incidence in Pennsylvania is 8.1% (CancerCntyStChart (pa.gov). 2019). Liver cancer is the fifth highest cause of cancer deaths in Pennsylvania.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine state that elimination of hepatitis B and C is possible by 2030 in the U.S. with significant expansion of vaccination, screening, and linkage to care.

After several years of work and planning, the Pennsylvania Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan was published in May 2023.

PA CCCP and the PCC support elimination plan strategies of prevention through vaccination and screening. The hepatitis B vaccine is available for all age groups. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, all children, or adolescents younger than 19 years of age who have not been vaccinated, all adults ages 19-59 years, and adults ages 60 years or older with risk factors for hepatitis B infection.

Meeting Notes:

For questions or inquiries, contact:

Pam Schauer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. William Calo, PhD at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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