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Prevention Leaders Unite at 2023 Mountain West HPV Stakeholder Meeting

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Speaker presents to audience in an auditorium with slide 鈥淒igital PeachJar Flyers鈥 on projector.
Shannon England-Rice showcases the Utah Department of Health and Human Services and American Cancer Society鈥檚 cobranded flyers sent to school children鈥檚 parents to recommend the HPV vaccine starting at age 9.

Leaders in the field of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer prevention gathered at the highly anticipated Mountain West HPV Stakeholder Meeting to close 2023. The event, hosted by Huntsman Cancer Institute at the (the U), is a pivotal step forward in the effort to eradicate HPV-related cancers in the region.

HPV is a common viral infection and the it affects 80% of Americans. The virus is a leading cause of several types of cancer that include cervical, throat, tonsil, anal, vaginal, and penile. The summit鈥檚 primary goal was to unite the brightest minds and resources to ensure a healthier, cancer-free future for generations to come.

Throughout the summit, participants attended lectures, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions focused on the state of HPV cancer prevention and vaccinations in the Mountain West, the burden of a HPV cancer diagnosis and treatment on individuals and families, the latest scientific research and strategies for eliminating HPV-related cancers, identifying barriers, challenges, and solutions to HPV vaccination, and new partnerships and collaborations.

Panelists thoughtfully listen to audience member鈥檚 question about HPV-related cancer prevention. Seated from left to right: Brian Poole, PhD; R. Neal Davis, MD; Shannon England-Rice; Kayla Rypien; Jessica Payne, MPH; and Carole Stipelman, MD, MPH.
Panelists thoughtfully listen to audience member鈥檚 question about HPV-related cancer prevention. Seated from left to right: Brian Poole, PhD; R. Neal Davis, MD; Shannon England-Rice; Kayla Rypien; Jessica Payne, MPH; and Carole Stipelman, MD, MPH.
Carole Stipelman, MD, MPH, highlights exciting initial findings for her improvement project to deliver HPV vaccines at 麻豆学生精品版.
Carole Stipelman, MD, MPH, highlights exciting initial findings for her improvement project to deliver HPV vaccines at 麻豆学生精品版.
Engaging the participants in thoughtful lecture, R. Neal Davis, MD reflects on HPV vaccination acceptance in Intermountain Health patients.
Engaging the participants in thoughtful lecture, R. Neal Davis, MD reflects on HPV vaccination acceptance in Intermountain Health patients.

Key stakeholders, like Huntsman Cancer Institute and ACS, champion cancer prevention and play a crucial role in combating HPV-related cancers. For nearly a decade, Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 Mountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition (the Coalition), led by , investigator at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and associate professor of population health sciences in the College of Nursing at the U, has fostered collaboration among leaders, advocates, health professionals, and the community. Among other initiatives, ACS鈥檚 Mission: HPV Cancer Free Quality Improvement Initiative facilitates healthcare provider education, engages stakeholders and partners to improve vaccination rates, leads and supports health systems interventions, and disseminates accurate HPV vaccine information to parents.

Oropharyngeal cancer survivor, Mike West (center), poses with Coalition director Deanna Kepka, PhD, MPH (left) and ACS Senior Program Manager for HPV in the Rocky Mountain Area, Hannah Nein (right).
Oropharyngeal cancer survivor, Mike West (center), poses with Coalition director Deanna Kepka, PhD, MPH (left) and ACS Senior Program Manager for HPV in the Rocky Mountain Area, Hannah Nein (right).

Experts and leaders at the summit included Mike West, oropharyngeal cancer survivor and attorney, Jessica Payne, MPH, epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UT DHHS), R. Neal Davis, MD, medical director and pediatrician at Intermountain Health, Carole Stipelman, MD, MPH, medical director of the U鈥檚 pediatric clinic, Kayla Rypien and Shannon England-Rice, UT DHHS Immunization Program representatives, and Brian D. Poole, PhD, professor at Brigham Young University. Fifty attendees joined from Montana, Wyoming, and Utah and another 30 participated via teleconference.

鈥淢eeting in-person was inspiring,鈥 Kepka recalls. 鈥淲e have a fabulous coalition that demonstrates a strong passion and commitment towards the prevention and elimination of HPV-related cancers. This energy spans from the Four Corners region of Utah to Idaho and Montana鈥檚 Canadian border. I am confident that we will reach new heights in Mountain West HPV vaccination rates through strong partnerships, education, and outreach.鈥

Enjoying each other鈥檚 company, attendees take a moment to capture a group photo.
Enjoying each other鈥檚 company, attendees take a moment to capture a group photo.

Participants departed with a renewed resolve to eradicate these cancers with the latest strategies, interventions, and policies. Together, these leaders are taking bold steps toward making their shared vision a reality.

Those interested in joining the Mountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition can sign up for their mailing list.

The ACS would like to acknowledge and disclose that its Mission: HPV Cancer Free Quality Improvement Initiative is made possible through generous funding from Merck and the George S. and Dolores Dor茅 Eccles Foundation. The Coalition would like to thank Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Huntsman Cancer Institute for their continued financial support.

Cancer touches all of us.