HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Policy Opportunities and Implications: School Mandate's Impact on Latina Women and Girls

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 14,000 women are diagnosed each year with invasive cervical cancer, often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The cervical cancer incidence rate is twice as high among Latinas as non-Latina whites. Cervical cancer is almost 100% preventable through detection and treatment of precancerous cells. It is estimated that 4,000 women die unnecessarily of cervical cancer and survival rates among Latinas are relatively poor. Cervical cancer screening is very low among Latina immigrants, primarily due to lack of access to preventative health services, concerns about cost, and limited knowledge about the importance of a Pap smear.

In June 2006, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer caused by four strains of HPV. Subsequently, the Center for Disease Control and the Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that the vaccine be administered to all girls ages 11-12, and approved for sale to girls from 9 to 26 years old. Since its approval, numerous states and municipalities have introduced legislation that would required all girls to receive the HPV vaccine, and many included an exception in which parents or legal guardians can opt them out of the requirement. These bills have raised numerous policy questions with heavy implications on the Latino community, including cost factors and access for uninsured and undocumented immigrants. This panel with address the disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality and explore the policy opportunities and concerns for Latina women and girls.