Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Kicks Off Initiative to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
On Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, Sylvester researchers highlight their commitment to ending cervical cancer through prevention, early detection, effective treatment and comprehensive care.
Cervical cancer stands apart from most other cancers. It is largely preventable, can be detected early and is highly treatable, when addressed in time.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth—University of Miami Health System, has joined forces with Florida’s three other NCI-designated cancer centers and the Florida Cancer Control Research Advisory Board to lead a landmark, statewide initiative aimed at eliminating human papillomavirus (HPV) – the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancers.
On November 17, Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, this powerful coalition launched a unified effort to remove barriers to prevention and care and ensure every woman in Florida has access to vaccination, screening and treatment—the three tools needed to prevent, detect and ultimately eradicate HPV-related cancers.
“Florida has the second-highest burden of cancer in the nation,” said Erin Kobetz, Ph.D., M.P.H. “We have a unique opportunity to move the dial on cervical cancer, a disease that continues to claim lives, even though it is almost entirely preventable.”
Cervical Cancer Is Preventable
More than four out of five people will contract HPV during their lifetime. While most infections resolve naturally, some persist and can lead to six types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Approximately 4,320 women will die from the disease.
The HPV vaccine provides powerful protection. Regular screening through HPV testing or Pap smears can detect precancerous changes before cancer develops. Yet too many women remain unprotected because of gaps in access, awareness and follow-up care.
Cervical Cancer Elimination is a Public Health Priority
The Florida Cancer Plan 2020–2025 identifies cervical cancer elimination as a key statewide priority and calls for measurable action aligned with national and global goals set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These goals, known as the “80–80–80 targets,” aim for:
These targets form the foundation for elimination—prevention through vaccination, early detection through screening and treatment for all who need it. Achieving them will require a coordinated, statewide response that unites academia, health care systems, public health agencies, advocacy groups and industry partners to deliver innovative, community-driven solutions.
“This is a complex challenge that demands the engagement of diverse partners who may bring different perspectives, but share the same goal,” said Dr. Kobetz, associate director for community outreach and engagement and the Judy H. Schulte Senior Endowed Chair in Cancer Research.
Building a Statewide Partnership
Sylvester, along with Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt Cancer Center, the University of Florida Health Cancer Institute and a broad network of partners, is developing a comprehensive roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer in Florida.
The initiative unites stakeholders, including the Florida Department of Health, Rotary Club members, the American Cancer Society, gynecologic societies, cervical cancer survivors and industry leaders. Together, they will share data, identify gaps and opportunities and strengthen statewide HPV vaccination and screening programs across the state.
“Through careful coordination of our unique knowledge, skills and perspectives, we can reach the entire state with evidence-based strategies to eliminate cervical cancer,” said Susan Vadaparampil, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate center director for community outreach and engagement and senior member of the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt Cancer Center. “Together we can tackle cervical cancer from all angles.”
Dr. Kobetz is confident this unified, statewide partnership will drive meaningful progress toward higher HPV vaccination rates and access to prevention and care.
“We have the right partners at the table and a shared commitment to measurable change,” she said. “By increasing vaccination, screening and treatment, and leveraging the power of collaboration, we can create a future where no woman in Florida dies from an HPV-related cancer.”
Tags: Cervical cancer, HPV infection, HPV-related cancers, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center