From Prevention to Early Detection: HPV, Cancer Screening, and Health Center Strategies

Location: Live Virtual Training

Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Pierce & Nancy Wright 

Audience: Providers and frontline clinical staff, quality staff, CMOs

Description: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections in the United States. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, persistent infection with high-risk strains, particularly HPV types 16 and 18, can lead to cellular changes that increase the risk of developing cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. Because these cancers are often preventable through vaccination, routine screening, and timely follow-up care, early detection and intervention are critical. Despite the proven effectiveness of preventive screening, Alabama’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) continue to face challenges in achieving optimal cancer screening rates. National data indicate that while some states report preventive screening rates exceeding 60%, Alabama’s rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening remain below 35%. These disparities underscore a significant public health concern, particularly for underserved populations who already experience barriers to care.