Addressing Disparities in HPV Vaccination for Head and Neck Cancer Prevention in Adults (2025-2026)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting 85% of sexually active individuals. Increases in HPV-associated throat cancer rates over the past 40 years signal a need for broader HPV protection through vaccination. 

Vaccine uptake increased overall after the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccination recommendations in 2018. However, vaccine uptake remains lower among Black and Hispanic individuals, individuals with less than a high school education and those who are uninsured. This project team sought to address and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in HPV vaccine uptake among adults (27–45 years old) in the U.S., focusing specifically on early screening for HPV-related head and neck cancers.  

Team members divided into three subteams to tackle specific project goals. The first subteam completed a literature review on physician communication strategies promoting HPV vaccination uptake alongside an analysis of current vaccination rates within the target age range. A second subteam conducted an Electronic Health Record analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of a recent Duke media campaign aimed at increasing HPV awareness and uptake, specifically among the target underrepresented groups. The third subteam developed a prospective study comparing a head-and-neck-specific HPV vaccine decision tool against a generic vaccine decision tool to assess how well the tools support informed decision-making. 

Poster presentation at Duke Cancer Institute (Durham, NC; December 5, 2025) 

Poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research (Quebec, Canada; December 10-13, 2025) 

Addressing Disparities in HPV Vaccination for Head and Neck Cancer Prevention in Adults (Poster presentation at the Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, April 15, 2026) 

Three manuscripts in progress