WHAT: The American Cancer Society will host 70 health care professionals and members of the general public at the 2019 HPV Symposium: Attacking HPV from Every Angle. The event aims to raise awareness about human papillomavirus, or HPV, and its vaccine that can help prevent six types of cancer. The society is partnering with some of San Antonio’s most notable HPV vaccination champions, including the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. The symposium will feature discussions of best practices, tools and resources to educate people about the HPV vaccine and cancer prevention. A cervical cancer survivor will share her story to show the personal toll of HPV-related cancers.
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Keynote speakers will begin their presentations at 11:20 a.m.
The cervical cancer survivor will tell her story at 12:15 p.m.
WHERE: UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center
7979 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229
WHO: 70 health care professionals and members of the general public
Keynote speakers include:
- Elizabeth Kapeel, cervical cancer survivor
- Gail E. Tomlinson, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pediatrics, UT Health San Antonio Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- Norma G. Parra, M.D., chief medical officer, CentroMed
- Michaell A. Huber, D.D.S., professor of oral medicine, UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
BACKGROUND: The HPV vaccine blocks the virus that causes six types of cancers, but Texas’ vaccination rate is woefully low. The state ranks 44th out of 50 states for HPV vaccination among children ages 13-17. Only 39 percent of kids receive this vaccine. Through a combination of vaccination, screening and treatment of precancers, there is the possibility of eliminating vaccine-preventable HPV cancers in Texas, starting with cervical cancer. The two-shot vaccine series achieves the most complete protection against HPV cancers when the series is completed before age 13. Physicians and other health care professionals recommend children ages 11 to 12 receive the shots.
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The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information about cancer and/or other ways you may become involved, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour help-line at (800) 227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of only four National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers in Texas. The partnership between UT Health San Antonio and MD Anderson Cancer Center, coming together in the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, provides leading-edge cancer care, propels innovative cancer research and educates the next generation of leaders to end cancer in South Texas. Visit www.UTHealthsaMDAnderson.org.