Improving Provider Knowledge of HPV to Reduce Cancer on Nantucket & Marthas Vineyard

Human papillomavirus HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the USA. Over 90% of cervical and anal cancers and 75% of oropharyngeal cancer are caused by persistent HPV infection. These infections, and the resultant cancers, can be prevented with vaccination. However, the islands of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket lag far behind the Massachusetts average in their HPV vaccination rates. Because research demonstrates that provider recommendations greatly impact patients decisions on vaccination, Team Maureen has educated hundreds of medical and dental providers across the state on HPVs connection to cancer and their role in prevention. For the first time, Team Maureen will bring this high quality provider education to the communities of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket to ensure that medical and dental providers are well-equipped to discuss HPVs connection to cancer and the importance of vaccination with their patients. Key to these provider events is the collaboration between medical and dental providers on the Islands. In these smaller island communities, having all providers from the dentist to the family practitioner, using the same language and highlighting the same facts can impact patient behavior.