(September 10, 2025) First regional plan to eliminate HPV cancers as a public health concern released in the U.S.

The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast launches first U.S. regional plan to eliminate HPV cancers, starting with cervical cancer as a public health concern, across the Southeast. The elimination plan includes coordinated strategies to address suboptimal HPV vaccination coverage, declining cervical cancer screening rates, and high rates of HPV cancers across the region.

Charleston, SC (Sept. 10, 2025) - The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast (Southeast Roundtable) is releasing the Southeast United States (U.S.) Call to Action: Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern (stjude.org/southeast-elimination) to coordinate efforts across the region.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is very common and causes pre-cancers, cancers, genital warts, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and other health conditions that are almost entirely preventable through on-time HPV vaccination. In addition, cervical cancer also may be prevented, diagnosed early, and treated effectively with recommended cervical cancer screening and timely follow-up care and treatment.

"Timely screening is critical to prevent cervical cancer as it allows for the early detection of abnormalities before they progress to cancer. Screening-particularly with tests that detect HPV-also allows for the appropriate monitoring of high-risk infections that may increase the chance of developing cancer," said Trisha L. Amboree, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of public health sciences at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. "This elimination plan is crucial in not only bringing awareness but giving tangible steps that can be implemented across Southeast states and jurisdictions to improve screening uptake and enhance prevention and elimination efforts."

In the Southeastern U.S., HPV vaccination coverage is low, and rates of HPV cancers (oral, cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile) are high compared to the rest of the U.S. Recently released National Immunization Survey (NIS)-Teen data show no gains in HPV vaccination over the last few years. Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System show slight declines in cervical cancer screening over the past 10 years.

The Southeast Roundtable prioritizes the elimination of HPV cancers, starting with cervical cancer as a public health concern. The Southeast U.S. Call to Action spans HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and follow-up care, diagnosis, and treatment as priorities with the following ambitious goals for the region, with a focus on ensuring no population group is left behind:

HPV vaccination: Increase the percentage of adolescents aged 13-17 years-and starting at age 9 where data are available-across the Southeast completing the HPV vaccination series to 80% by 2030. HPV vaccination is cancer prevention with 90% of HPV cancers preventable through on-time HPV vaccination.

Cervical cancer screening: Increase the percentage of people with a cervix across the Southeast who are up to date on cervical cancer screening per current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines to 80% by 2030.

Follow-up, diagnosis, and treatment: Increase the percentage of people with a cervix across the Southeast who receive follow-up, diagnosis, and treatment (if needed) for abnormal screening results to 80% by 2030.

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About the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast

The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast (Southeast Roundtable) is comprised of people and partners from 12 states and two jurisdictions - Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The southeastern United States has historically had the lowest HPV vaccination coverage as a region - with some exceptions - and the highest rates of HPV cancers, especially cervical and oral cancers. The current Southeast Roundtable builds on previous collaborations coordinated by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable. Backbone support for the Southeast Roundtable is provided by the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Access Southeast United States (U.S.) Call to Action: Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern and associated resources at stjude.org/southeast-elimination. To learn more about the Southeast Roundtable, visit stjude.org/southeast-roundtable. Email [email protected] with any questions.

About MUSC Hollings Cancer Center

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is South Carolina's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center with the largest academic-based cancer research program in the state. With more than 230 faculty cancer scientists from 20 academic departments, it has an annual research funding portfolio of more than $50 million and sponsors more than 200 clinical trials across the state. Hollings specialists include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, psychologists and other clinical providers equipped to provide the full range of cancer care from diagnosis to survivorship. Hollings offers state-of-the-art cancer screenings, diagnostics, therapies and surgical techniques within its multidisciplinary clinics. Dedicated to preventing and reducing the cancer burden statewide, the Hollings Office of Community Outreach and Engagement works with community organizations to bring cancer education and prevention information to affected populations throughout the state. For more information, visit hollingscancercenter.musc.edu