HPV-Related Cancers: A Growing Threat to US Military Health and Readiness

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal and anal cancers are on the rise among both civilian and military populations in the US. Additionally, while rates of cervical cancer have declined over time, cervical cancer and cervical dysplasia remain a threat to health and mission readiness of service members. Despite the growing threat of HPV-related cancers, research regarding HPV prevention and cervical cancer practices among military populations is limited. In this presentation, we examine research on rates of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening uptake among active duty service members, as well as previous interventions to improve HPV-related cancer prevention practices in the military. This presentation will also inform future policies, interventions, and practices to reduce the threat of these cancers among military populations.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify and review studies regarding rates of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening uptake among active duty service members. We also examined literature on interventions to improve HPV-related cancer prevention practices within military populations.

Results:

Prior research indicates that less than 40% of female service members and less than 10% of male service members initiated the HPV vaccine from 2006 to 2017, and less than half of those who initiated the vaccine completed the full dose series. Air Force service members and health care workers were more likely to be vaccinated than members of other branches and in other occupational roles, respectively. Individuals who deployed were more likely to initiate the HPV vaccine but less likely to complete the vaccination series. Overall, cervical cancer screening among service members has declined over time, and only 60% of screening-eligible service members were compliant with screening guidelines in 2015. Navy service members were less likely to be compliant with cervical cancer screening recommendations than personnel in other service branches.

Conclusions:

HPV-related cancers are a growing threat to the health and mission readiness of military populations. Previous studies indicate that service members are more likely to have HPV than civilians, putting them at greater risk for developing HPV-related cancers. Current research on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening uptake among service members suggests the need for improvement in HPV-related cancer prevention practices in military health care settings. Moreover, the expansion of policies and interventions to improve access to and uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening is warranted.

Learning Objectives

• Describe recent estimates of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening uptake among active duty service members.
• Understand the impact of interventions to improve HPV vaccination uptake among service members.
• Discuss actionable recommendations for improving HPV prevention practices in military health care settings.