In the United States, 79 million men and women are currently infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), accounting for more than 4,000 deaths from cervical cancer each year. Following the development of the first HPV vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set a goal to get 80 percent of female adolescents vaccinated. However, despite the vaccine’s demonstrated efficacy, vaccination rates have only reached 38 percent nationally and 32 percent in Texas. This event will bring together leaders from academia, government and the media to discuss HPV, its impact on cancer and other diseases, and opportunities and challenges associated with prevention through vaccination programs.
This panel discussion is the sixth event in the Medicine, Research and Society Policy Issues Series, a joint project with the Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program, the Health Policy Forum and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
There is no charge for this event. RSVP by Monday, Dec. 1.
Welcoming Remarks
Neal F. Lane, Ph.D.
Senior Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute
Introduction
Ronald DePinho, M.D.
President, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Panelists
Douglas R. Lowy, M.D.
Chief, Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research
Lois M. Ramondetta, M.D.
Professor, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, Harris County Hospital District
The Honorable John Zerwas, M.D.
Texas State Representative, District 28
Moderator
Greta Van Susteren
Host, "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren," Fox News Channel
- Click here to read "Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: A Public Health Opportunity for Texas," a policy brief by Kirstin R.W. Matthews, fellow in science and technology policy, and Monica Matsumoto, contributing expert, published on Oct. 6, 2014.
- Click here to read "HPV vaccine should be Texas requirement," an op-ed by fellows Kirstin R.W. Matthews and Hagop M. Kantarjian published by the Houston Chronicle on Oct. 3, 2014.