JACKSON, MS – March 4, 2021 – The Mississippi State Legislature is officially recognizing today, March 4 as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Cancer Awareness Day in the state. Mississippi continues to have some of the lowest HPV vaccination rates in the nation and today’s action will help raise awareness on the important role the vaccine plays in preventing related cancers.
“We’re encouraged to see our legislators join us in the fight against cancer with this special designation. Our hope is that this action will help encourage Mississippians to receive their vaccinations to prevent HPV related cancers – cervical cancer top among them,” noted Kimberly Hughes, Mississippi Government Relations Director at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “HPV vaccination is cancer prevention and reminding parents and health care providers about its effectiveness is crucial in reducing the cancer burden in our state as well as protecting future generations from the deadly disease.”
Despite the HPV vaccine preventing 90% of HPV-related cancers, only a third of Mississippi children are up to date on their vaccines. Timely HPV vaccination can prevent an estimated 45,300 new cases of HPV-associated cancer each year according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In Mississippi, it’s estimated that 18,750 individuals will be diagnosed with cancer this year; 350 of cases will be attributable to HPV.
Mississippians are encouraged to visit www.mshpvrountable.org for more information on HPV vaccinations.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.