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DY3A8774 Alabama’s HPV vaccination gap: what to know + how to take action in Birmingham — Vaccines are the smartest way to avoid HPV-related cancers and diseases. (Vax 2 Stop Cancer)

After a routine pap smear, I was surprised to find out that I had HPV—something many people will have at some point in their lives, often without even knowing it. In my case, it led to a small procedure to remove a pre-cancerous spot on my cervix. But if you could prevent certain cancers with a simple vaccine, wouldn’t you?

That’s the question at the heart of the mission behind a local nonprofit called Vax 2 Stop Cancer, and it feels especially urgent here in Alabama where cervical cancer rates are high.

Read on for a breakdown of the numbers, plus an opportunity to make a difference this April.

Why HPV prevention matters in Alabama

DY3A8460 edited scaled Alabama’s HPV vaccination gap: what to know + how to take action in Birmingham — At the luncheon, you’ll hear from a guest speaker + cancer survivor. (Vax 2 Stop Cancer)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in the U.S. according to the CDC. When the body’s immune system can’t get rid of an HPV infection with oncogenic (or cancer causing) HPV types, it can linger over time and turn normal cells into abnormal cells and then cancer. About 10% of women with HPV infection on their cervix will develop long-lasting HPV infections that put them at risk for cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine has been shown to be more than 90% effective at preventing the cancers it targets. It’s a powerful tool, but one Alabama isn’t yet using to its full potential.

Here’s how we rank nationally:

Alabama ranks #3 in the nation for cervical cancer mortality
Alabama ranks #6 for cervical cancer incidence
The state currently ranks 38th for HPV vaccination rates
Only about 62% of eligible individuals have completed the HPV vaccine series

That’s well below the national goal set by Healthy People 2030, which aims for an 80% vaccination rate.

“VAX 2 STOP CANCER has been an invaluable partner in our state’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. Providing training to clinicians and clinics to ensure every opportunity to prevent cancer is a priority and life-saving work.”
Nancy Wright, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Alabama Department of Public Health

In other words, this is a preventable problem—but only if more people have access to information, resources and encouragement to take action.

Turning awareness into action

DY3A8597 Alabama’s HPV vaccination gap: what to know + how to take action in Birmingham — This local org aims to remove the stigma around HPV and HPV-related cancers. (Vax 2 Stop Cancer)

DY3A8551 Alabama’s HPV vaccination gap: what to know + how to take action in Birmingham — This local org aims to remove the stigma around HPV and HPV-related cancers. (Vax 2 Stop Cancer)

For some, those numbers feel personal.

For me, what could have developed into something far more serious was fortunately caught early, and it gave me some important perspective on just how important prevention, regular screenings and education really are for other Alabamians.

Each year, VAX 2 STOP CANCER brings together healthcare leaders, survivors and local advocates to raise awareness and funding for HPV education and prevention. Their biggest event of the year is right around the corner—and it’s designed to be both informative and deeply personal.

Save the date: “A Shot at Prevention” returns April 14

DY3A8466 Alabama’s HPV vaccination gap: what to know + how to take action in Birmingham — This local org believes in an HPV free Alabama, one shot at a time. (Vax 2 Stop Cancer)

The 5th Annual “A Shot at Prevention” Luncheon is happening this April. Here’s what you need to know:

When: Tuesday, April 14 | 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Where: The Club, 1 Robert S Smith Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
Register here
- $60 for an individual ticket (includes lunch + program)
- $550 for a table of eight

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Linda Eckert, a nationally recognized cervical cancer expert and professor in the departments of OB-GYN and Global Health at the University of Washington and author of ENOUGH: Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer.

Attendees will also hear from a local cervical cancer survivor, Dani Odom, offering a firsthand perspective on why prevention efforts like the HPV vaccine matter—not just statistically, but personally.

Get involved + make an impact

DY3A8447 Alabama’s HPV vaccination gap: what to know + how to take action in Birmingham — Cancer prevention doesn’t always come with a clear, actionable step. But in the case of HPV, it does. (Vax 2 Stop Cancer)

Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, a young adult, a healthcare professional or simply someone who cares about building a healthier Birmingham, this event offers a meaningful way to engage.

By attending, you’re not just learning more about HPV—you’re actively supporting cancer prevention efforts through education, outreach and advocacy that can help reduce cancer rates across Alabama.

“Every HPV vaccine given because of this amazing effort is a life protected and a future preserved.”
Lillian Kreppel, CEO & Co-Founder, Cancer Thriver

Tickets for the 5th Annual “A Shot at Prevention” Luncheon are available now. Can’t attend? You can still support the mission through a donation.

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