Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University have received a grant from the National Cancer Institute to study HPV vaccination in the state of Georgia.
Researchers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University have received a grant from the National Cancer Institute to study HPV vaccination in the state of Georgia. The grant is a supplement to Winship's overall Cancer Center Support Grant first awarded in 2009 and recently renewed in 2017.
HPV or human papilloma virus is a sexually transmitted infection that is the primary cause of cervical cancer. It's also responsible for other cancers including oropharyngeal or cancers of the throat and tongue. Routine vaccination for girls and boys can help prevent certain types of HPV.
"Every year that we fall short in reaching our HPV vaccine goals, we are missing the opportunity to prevent cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Through this project, Winship will be leading the way to understand how we can improve HPV vaccination across Georgia," says Robert Bednarczyk, PhD, assistant professor in Emory's Rollins School of Public Health, lead HPV researcher and Winship member.
Bednarczyk says Winship intends to work with diverse partners in cancer prevention, vaccination, pediatric, and family medicine to ensure that everything is being done to prevent HPV-related cancers. Researchers will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the use of the HPV vaccine.
He says, "This provides Winship with a unique opportunity to understand the use of HPV vaccine in all corners of the state. Gathering all of this data will help our efforts to improve uptake of a vaccine that can prevent cancer."
