By Amruta Soma
Every year, nearly 11,5001 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, a disease caused almost entirely by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Yet, cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is completely preventable through vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment. Over the past few years, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and the Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer (GIAHC) have hosted the HPV Prevention Week, an event that has united healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities to advance the fight against HPV-related cancers. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we aim to eliminate cervical cancer and combat HPV—a mission that has grown significantly since its inception.
Never before has humanity been so close to defeating cancer. The World Health Organization’s global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer marks a historic opportunity to achieve this goal within our lifetime. This year’s AMWA Us vs HPV event, themed “Turning up the HEAT on HPV through Health Equity, Advancement, & Technology,” builds on that momentum, emphasizing the urgency and potential of our collective efforts.
Seven Years of Impact
Over the past seven years, the AMWA Us vs HPV event has served as a powerful platform for education, collaboration, and advocacy. Each year’s event has tackled pressing topics, shared groundbreaking advancements, and celebrated milestones in the fight against HPV and cervical cancer. Below is a summary of the key discussions and achievements from each year, highlighting the collective progress we’ve made together.
2025
This year’s event features an engaging series of webinars designed to educate and inspire action. Topics will cover HPV health education, technological advancements in screening, global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, and more, offering valuable insights into the latest advancements and strategies in the fight against HPV. A special screening of the film Conquering Cancer will be available to all registrants for HPV Prevention Week.
2024
The 2024 Us vs HPV event focused on advancing HPV awareness and prevention efforts through education, advocacy, and empowerment. The week kicked off with an update on the HPV vaccine, highlighting progress and developments in immunization efforts. Subsequent sessions emphasized diversifying initiatives to make prevention efforts more inclusive, and a special briefing, hosted by HealthyWomen, explored strategies to end HPV cancers starting with cervical cancer, building on momentum from Women Deliver 2023. Additional webinars addressed the connection between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer and concluded with a session dedicated to empowering young leaders to drive community-focused solutions.
2023
The 2023 Us vs HPV event focused on raising awareness and fostering action to combat HPV-related cancers through education, innovation, and advocacy. The event began with opening remarks from Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD, emphasizing the importance of prevention efforts. Throughout the week, daily webinars addressed key topics such as the significance of HPV prevention, strategies to diversify efforts for improving health equity, and global innovations in cervical cancer prevention. Other sessions highlighted critical updates on HPV-associated oropharynx cancer and the collective responsibility to raise awareness and end HPV-related cancers.
2022
Building on the foundation that has been laid over the past three years, the 2022 Us vs. HPV highlighted strategies to tackle the various types of vaccine hesitancy, discussed the updated WHO guidelines on cervical cancer elimination strategy, and provided new information on HPV-related head and neck cancers. The webinars and panel discussions featured a broad audience-from stakeholders to the general public who are interested in preventive health and in making cervical cancer the first cancer to be wiped out.
2021
In 2021, AMWA aligned with the WHO mandate for global cervical cancer elimination by 2030. We began developing Check in on Menopause, a telehealth program focused on addressing menopausal issues. The 2021 US vs HPV event centered on adapting HPV cancer prevention efforts to the challenges of the COVID-19 era while addressing disparities and expanding outreach. The week began with discussions on renewing, rethinking, and rebuilding strategies for preventing HPV-related cancers amidst the pandemic. Subsequent sessions focused on expanding the coalition’s reach, tackling the inequities of cervical cancer as a disease of disparities, and emphasizing the importance of HPV vaccination for preventing oropharyngeal cancers. The event concluded with a session on leveraging social media to enhance awareness and advocacy.
2020
The 2020 Us vs HPV event highlighted community-driven efforts and global strategies to combat HPV-related cancers. The week began with an update on community initiatives and challenges in HPV prevention, followed by a session spotlighting medical societies’ contributions to the fight against HPV. Midweek discussions centered on gathering momentum for the global elimination of cervical cancer, with Thursday’s session addressing HPV-associated head and neck cancers. The event concluded with a call to action emphasizing that “HPV affects us all.
2019
The 2019 Us vs HPV event focused on educating and advocating for the prevention and understanding of HPV-related cancers. The event began with an update on the HPV vaccine, emphasizing its role in prevention. Sessions throughout the week explored global perspectives on HPV and cervical cancer, highlighting the need for international action. The discussion expanded to include HPV-related non-gynecological diseases and cancers, showcasing the broader impact of HPV. A historical look at cervical cancer—its past, present, and future—provided context for ongoing efforts, and the event concluded with recognition of HPV and cervical cancer champions who are leading the charge in prevention and awareness.
Join the Fight Against HPV-Related Cancers
The fight against HPV and cervical cancer requires collective action, and your involvement can make a difference. By participating in the 2025 AMWA Us vs HPV event, you’ll help us “Turn up the HEAT on HPV through Health Equity, Advancement, & Technology”. This is an opportunity to be part of a global effort to educate, innovate, and advocate for a healthier future. Together, we can raise awareness, promote equitable access to life-saving interventions, and empower individuals to take charge of their health.
The 2025 event will feature experts, groundbreaking advancements, and crucial discussions to help us reach the goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a lasting impact—register today and be part of the movement.
Register for the 2025 AMWA US vs HPV Event
For those seeking to learn more, explore past event recordings, or access additional resources, click here to visit the AMWA HPV Week page.