It’s Not Too Late: Protect Yourself Against HPV-Related Cancers

By Linda Jackson
CEO, Association for Community Empowerment Solutions

Adolescent health programs have made the HPV vaccine a cornerstone of their efforts to protect young people from one of the world’s most common infections. Vaccination before exposure provides the strongest protection, which is why these programs focus on reaching preteens and teens. Yet adults remain at risk for HPV-related cancers, and vaccination can still provide meaningful protection. For those who were never vaccinated. The HPV vaccine offers a second chance to prevent cancer before it starts.

Understanding HPV and Cancer Risk

While many HPV infections go away on their own, some remain and can lead to cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that HPV causes nearly 36,000 cases of cancer each year in the United States alone. Globally, HPV is responsible for more than 600,000 cancer cases annually, with the majority being cervical cancer.
For adults, HPV is linked to:
- Cervical cancer
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vulvar and vaginal cancers

Why Adults Should Consider HPV Vaccination

In the United States, adults up to the age of 45 may still be eligible after consulting with a healthcare provider.
Key things adults need to know:
- It’s not too late. Even if you are older than 26, you may still benefit from protection.
- Vaccination prevents new infections. The vaccine does not treat existing infections, but it lowers the risk of acquiring additional HPV strains.
- Your provider may not bring it up. Many adults report that healthcare providers don’t discuss HPV vaccination with them. Adults may need to raise the topic themselves.

Closing the Knowledge Gap with the Learn and Decide App

HPV Learn and Decide App

Informed decisions lead to healthier futures. With the support of Merck and Creating Healthier Communities (CHC) through the HPV Vaccination Initiative, ACESWorld developed the HPV Learn and Decide app, a free, accessible tool designed to answer questions about adult HPV vaccination.
The app helps users:
- Learn: Understand what HPV is, how it spreads, and how it causes cancer.
- Decide: Explore whether vaccination makes sense for them.
- Act: Get practical information on where and how to access the vaccine in their community.

Measuring the Success of the App

Table 1 — Total User Estimates by Response Rate

The Learn and Decide app was designed to get life-saving information into people’s hands, rather than collecting data on them. Every user, regardless of whether they answered the optional survey questions, could access the full content. In this way, the app puts access and equity first.

To estimate the app’s reach, we used industry benchmarks for in-app survey response rates (typically 20–30%). Based on a 30% response rate, we estimate more than 500 adults have already used the app.

Table 2 — Vaccination Intention Estimates by Response Rate.

Among first-question respondents, 20.5% indicated an intention to receive the HPV vaccine. Applied across the total estimated user base, this suggests that over 100 adults who used the app are now considering HPV vaccination. Among those who completed the more detailed end-of-survey, 75.6% expressed an intent to vaccinate, showing a strong potential impact when users engage with the full tool.

Taking the Next Step: Use It, Share It

If you are an adult who has not yet been vaccinated against HPV:
1. Download the ACESWorld Learn and Decide app. It provides reliable, easy-to-understand information tailored for adults.
2. Talk to your healthcare provider. Ask if you are eligible for HPV vaccination.
3. Share the app in your network. Every share helps more people access the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Choosing vaccination is an essential step in protecting long-term health and reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers. The Learn and Decide app provides clear, accessible information to support that process, ensuring decisions are based on facts rather than uncertainty.