ASPO Abstracts
Missed opportunities for HPV vaccination and education among cervical cancer survivors
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication, Lifestyles Behavior, Energy Balance & Chemoprevention
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Purpose The objectives of the study were to explore cervical cancer incidence and associated variables among women who were age-eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as well as to assess HPV vaccination history, beliefs, and associated behaviors within this cohort. Methods A mixed methods data collection strategy was used for the study. ICD 9 and 10 data were used to identify women treated for cervical cancer at Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) from 2011 to 2016 and abstract demographic, clinical and pathologic variables. The Alabama vaccination registry was used to compare vaccination data. A randomized sample of the cohort was also recruited to participate in a qualitative telephone interview regarding HPV vaccination participation, knowledge, and attitudes. Results Of the 464 cervical cancer patients treated at MCI from 2011-2016, 137 (30%) were under age 40 at diagnosis; 77 women with invasive disease were identified (median age=33 years). Fifty-six percent of patients were seen by a gynecologist within 5 years of diagnosis. Seventeen patients participated in the qualitative portion of the study. Of those interviewed, the majority (94%) reported current access to regular medical care. None had received or been offered the HPV vaccine, but the majority stated they likely would have if it had it been recommended. Most reported awareness of health risks associated with HPV; however, substantial gaps in knowledge and mixed understanding of the causation between HPV and cervical cancer diagnosis were observed. Conclusions Cervical cancer presents a unique opportunity for prevention due to the efficacy of the HPV vaccination. Qualitative interviews revealed a significant missed opportunity for prevention since the majority of the women stated they would have been vaccinated if given the option. The majority of the cohort demonstrated awareness of HPV related health risks, albeit after their eligibility to receive the vaccine had passed, and many after their cancer diagnosis. Informed and educated survivors could be powerful advocates to increase HPV vaccination rates among current youth, utilizing personal experiences and community engagement as potential vaccination promotion strategies.
Keywords: human papillomavirus vaccination prevention qualitative cervical cancer