Dana-Farber's HPV-Related Cancer Outreach Program is a cancer prevention initiative to reduce the HPV-related cancer burden in our community through education and vaccination.
There are over 100 different types, or strains, of human papillomavirus (HPV). High-risk strains of HPV can cause six types of cancer: cervical, head and neck, anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
There are 42,700 HPV-related cancers in the U.S. each year.
HPV-related cancers have increased by 225 percent in the past 20 years, with a rapid rise in head and neck cancers in men. In fact, there are now more men with oropharyngeal cancer than women with cervical cancer. Fortunately, these cancers can be prevented with vaccination, screening, and early detection.
New HPV-Related Cancers Each Year in the U.S.
Oropharyngeal Cancer (Men) 14,814
Cervical Cancer (Women) 11,866
Anal Cancer (Women) 4,333
Vulvar Cancer (Women) 3,934
Oropharyngeal Cancer (Women) 3,412
Anal Cancer (Men) 2,197
Penile Cancer (Men) 1,269
Vaginal Cancer (Women) 846
Source: CDC United States Cancer Statistics Data Brief No. 4 August 2018
Along with all 70 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers, Dana-Farber is committed to the shared goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers. Because the vaccine prevents HPV infections that may lead to cancer, the six related cancers could eventually be eliminated if most people are vaccinated. Our public health-oriented program targets specific, nationwide health goals set by the federal government's Healthy People 2030 program and the NCI. The shared goals are:
- Increase the proportion of adolescents who get recommended doses of the HPV vaccine – IID-08
- Reduce infections of HPV types prevented by the vaccine in young adults – IID-07
- Increase the proportion of females who get screened for cervical cancer – C-09
The HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 9-26. In some circumstances, your doctor may recommend vaccinating up to age 45. View the complete vaccine schedule.
Education and Vaccination
The HPV-Related Cancer Outreach Program is designed to address common barriers to HPV vaccination and cancer screening. We provide evidence-based, culturally tailored HPV education to young adults, parents and guardians, community health and education professionals, and medical and dental professionals. Our curriculum has been proven to increase medically accurate knowledge of HPV and related cancers, intention to be fully vaccinated, and comfort level discussing the topic with others.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute also leads the Massachusetts HPV Coalition with the local cervical cancer prevention non-profit, Team Maureen. The Massachusetts HPV Coalition brings together leading experts, local organizations, community advocates, and survivors working in HPV-related cancers and prevention. This allows us to increase our impact and develop a coordinated strategy to better meet the HPV-related cancer prevention needs across the state. Learn more about the Massachusetts HPV Coalition.