Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors-Opportunity to Address Gaps in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

The risks of secondary cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are as much as three times higher for survivors of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer (PYAC) compared to the general population. Despite this, HPV vaccination rates among PYAC survivors remain low. Whereas pediatric oncology providers endorse HPV vaccination of PYAC survivors, many lack the resources or opportunities to intervene. The responsibility of HPV vaccination, therefore, falls to primary care providers and practices. This article provides an overview of the challenges with HPV vaccination that are distinct to PYAC survivors and discusses potential strategies to increase HPV vaccine coverage in this population.

Examining the Barriers and Opportunities for Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Delivery in Cancer Care Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study

Although pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (PAYA) cancer survivors are at increased risks for secondary cancers, their HPV vaccine uptake rates are poor. Therefore, we conducted a mixed-methods study to identify the barriers and opportunities for HPV vaccine delivery among PAYA cancer care providers. We distributed a semistructured questionnaire to a professional organization comprised of PAYA oncology and hematology healthcare providers between April and July 2022. Questionnaire measures included demographic and practice characteristics, HPV vaccine knowledge, willingness, barriers, opportunities, and roles for HPV vaccine delivery. Descriptive characteristics were generated for quantitative data, and content analysis was used to identify themes. A total of 49 providers responded to our survey. A majority were female (68%) and non-Hispanic white (74%). Approximately 76% were oncology or hematology physicians, and most worked in a cancer center or children's hospital (86%). Over half (63%) had been practicing for >15 years, and a majority saw patients ages 11 to 17. Although less than half reported discussing HPV vaccination with their patients, 69% were willing to become involved in HPV vaccine delivery. The most frequently reported barriers identified in our content analysis were related to system-level factors. Furthermore, providers identified opportunities within cancer prevention education, transitions in care, and at the system-level. Although barriers to HPV vaccination persist in cancer care, most providers perceived there to be opportunities to become involved in HPV vaccine delivery. Identifying strategies for PAYA oncology and hematology healthcare providers to adopt a stronger role in HPV vaccination remains a significant opportunity for future implementation research.

PREVENTION RELEVANCE

This mixed-methods study is the first to investigate and assess barriers and opportunities for HPV vaccine delivery among PAYA cancer healthcare providers. Our findings can serve as an important framework for future implementation research targeted towards HPV vaccine delivery in cancer clinical settings. See related Spotlight, p. 545.

Sun exposure among teenage and young adult cancer survivors in the United Kingdom

Skin cancers are a common form of second malignant neoplasm among teenage and young adult cancer survivors (TYACS). The Children's Oncology Group specifies that TYACS should adhere to safe sun practices and be screened for skin cancer annually. Cross-sectional self-report data collected by our group indicate over a third of TYACS (n = 229; mean age: 19.8 years) intentionally sunbathe, with many reporting sunburn. TYACS sunbathing, sunburn, and sunbed use are similar to the general population (P > 0.05). These data suggest TYACS require intervention to limit sun exposure and improve their sun safety habits.