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JUST LAUNCHED: HPV Next Steps by HPV Cancers Alliance
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We’re thrilled to unveil HPV Next Steps — a first-of-its-kind tool that’s changing the game in HPV prevention and care. Designed to empower individuals with personalized, easy-to-follow guidance, this virtual resource is here to simplify next steps and facilitate informed decision-making in the HPV space.
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With just 2–3 quick, anonymous questions (based on age, vaccination status, and sex assigned at birth), everyone using the tool will receive custom insights to help take control of their HPV care, confidently and clearly.
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This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.
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Join the Conversation: LGBTQIA+ Health Roundtable
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APPLY HERE! Students, Professionals & Advocates - All are welcome!
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We’re hosting a virtual roundtable to help protect LGBTQIA+ health. As attacks on this community grow, YOUR VOICE MATTERS. Join us to explore ways to support LGBTQIA+ well-being, including access to HPV cancer prevention. Share with your friends!
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Donate Today!
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Every Story Matters. Every Gift Helps Save a Life.
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Whether you or someone you love has faced HPV or an HPV- related cancer/condition, you know how deeply it affects individuals and families. Your support helps us educate, advocate, and fight for a future free from these preventable cancers.
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- $50: Helps distribute vital HPV prevention and early cancer detection materials to the LGBTQIA+ community.
- $100: Enables a legislative advocate to meet with their legislators and support the re-introduction and advancement of the Prevent HPV Cancers Act, promoting the eradication of HPV cancers.
- $500: Helps produce and distribute our Emerging Science Webinar Series episodes which share cutting-edge insights from experts into the latest innovations in HPV cancer research and care - free of charge to patients, providers, and caregivers.
- $1,000: Supports the training of healthcare providers, helping to reduce the stigma around HPV through education and awareness within medical societies and colleges.
- “By supporting this organization, we honor our collective journeys, fuel the mission, and bring hope to thousands. I know that together, we can spread knowledge and save lives!”
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Lillian Kreppel, CEO & Co-Founder of HPV Cancers Alliance and anal cancer thriver, pictured alongside Marcia Cross, Actress, President & Co-Founder of HPV Cancers Alliance, and fellow anal cancer thriver.
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Interview With Taylor Kelamis, APRN, FNP-C
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This month, we interviewed Taylor Kelamis, APRN, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner dedicated to cancer prevention and improving healthcare access in rural and underserved communities. Taylor is a new member of our Scientific & Medical Advisory Board who specializes in early detection of anal dysplasia and prevention of HPV-related cancers, offering inclusive care for both teens and adults—especially those with limited access to preventive services.
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She is a member of the International Anal Neoplasia Society (IANS) and attended Roanoke College in Virginia where she received a B.A. in International Relations. Taylor was a Rural Health Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay from 2004-2007 before going on to obtain a B.S. in Nursing at Johns Hopkins University. She worked on the surgical unit at Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital for five years and at a primary care clinic caring primarily for Spanish-speaking individuals. After moving to the “Natural State” in 2015, Taylor completed Georgetown University’s online M.S. in Nursing FNP program. She and her husband reside in Fayetteville with their two kids and Taylor’s father.
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Key Takeaways
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- Awareness is Key - We need more medical and healthcare training around HPV-related disease prevention. NP Kelamis emphasizes the importance of continuing education among health care professionals as new guidelines become more accessible.
- Treating Precancer Can Help Avoid Anal Cancer - The ANCHOR study has shown how effective treating precancerous anal cells can be in avoiding the growth of cancerous cells. Taylor explains, “Those guidelines really need to be disseminated, and we talk a lot about cervical cancer prevention [but not enough about anal cancer prevention].”
- HRA’s are Changing the Landscape of Anal Cancer Prevention - High Resolution Anoscopy Procedures have proven to be an effective tool in preventing the growth of anal cancer. “[It] can actually prevent anal cancer. I think the field itself of anal cancer prevention and high-resolution anoscopy will become more widespread.”
- Community Partnership is the Best Tool In Preventing HPV-Related Disease - HPV Awareness at every level contributes to disease prevention. From parents and doctors to pharmacists and public health experts, “consistent messaging,” is imperative.
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The full interview will be available soon on HPVCA.org.
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Research & Medical News
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FDA Approves New Drug For Resectable Locally Advanced Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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The Food and Drug Administration has approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda, Merck) for adults with resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin after surgery, and then as a single agent.
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This is the first approval for HNSCC in 6 years and the first overall perioperative approval for locally advanced HNSCC.
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Incyte Announces FDA Approval of Zynyz (retifanlimab-dlwr) - The First & Only Approved First-Line Treatment for Advanced Anal Cancer Patients in the United States
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Zynyz® (retifanlimab-dlwr), a PD-1 inhibitor, is now approved for the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) in combination with chemotherapy and as a monotherapy. Patients with SCAC treated with Zynyz achieved a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival and improvement in overall survival. Zynyz® (retifanlimab-dlwr) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (platinum-based chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC). In addition, the FDA granted approval for Zynyz as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with locally recurrent or with metastatic SCAC with disease progression on or intolerance to platinum-based chemotherapy.
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In The News
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More Photos From Healthy Young Healthy Future 2025!
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Earlier this June, HPV Cancers Alliance proudly hosted Healthy Young Healthy Future 2025, an empowering two-day initiative designed to educate and mobilize the next generation of cancer prevention advocates. Bringing together a passionate cohort of high school and college students, the program focused on raising awareness about HPV-related cancers and driving critical legislative action.
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On June 3rd, participants engaged in a comprehensive training day led by Founder and President of Global Initiative Against HPV & Cervical Cancer Dr. Shobha Krishnan and Healthy Women’s Senior Policy Advisor Martha Nolan, where they explored the science of cancer prevention, strengthened their advocacy skills, and connected with fellow change-makers during a collaborative networking dinner. The following day, students headed to Capitol Hill where they met with federal lawmakers and staff from across the country. These meetings were not only productive but exceptionally well-received. Advocates spotlighted the urgent need to advance primary prevention through policy, particularly the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act. Held just ahead of the bill’s anticipated reintroduction in early July, the timing of these discussions proved pivotal. Constituents effectively garnered interest and enthusiasm for co-sponsorship, laying a strong foundation for bipartisan support of this critical legislation.
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The Healthy Youth, Healthy Future program exemplifies the power of youth-led advocacy in shaping a healthier, cancer-free future. We're inspired by our participants' courage, commitment, and determination, and are excited for the policy momentum they helped generate on the Hill.
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Every Voice Matters for RRP, Hosted by RRPF Featuring HPV Cancers Alliance
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Introducing Every Voice Matters for RRP, a webinar series designed to increase awareness about Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis and expand the community of patients, caregivers and advocates. RRP is a a rare disease characterized by the growth of wart-like lesions in the respiratory tract, most commonly in the larynx.
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First up: a conversation with Lillian Kreppel, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the HPV Cancers Alliance, and Dr. Milan Amin, director of NYU Langone’s Voice Center. Many thanks to Inovio Pharmaceuticals for helping to kick off this series and for sponsoring this episode.
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HPV Cancers Alliance at NYC PRIDE FEST 2025: Heath Empowerment in Action
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At this year’s NYC PRIDE FEST, HPV Cancers Alliance proudly exhibited alongside Cheeky Charity and the American Cancer Society to advance inclusive, community-centered health education. Together, we reached hundreds of attendees with tools, information, and resources aimed at preventing HPV-related cancers.
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For the first time, HPV Cancers Alliance publicly debuted the HPV Next Steps Tool, an innovative, interactive resource that provides personalized guidance on HPV vaccination, screening, and follow-up care. Attendees were invited to explore next steps and take ownership of their health journeys in real time. We also distributed easy-to-use Vaccination & Screening Checklists designed to help individuals stay on top of their preventive care throughout the year and gathered community feedback on major barriers that the LGBTQIA+ community faces when accessing HPV-related care.
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Throughout the day, we held open conversations on the intersection of HIV, HPV, and increased cancer risk, continuing our commitment to equitable, affirming education!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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The Emerging Science Webinar Series - "HPV Infection & Early Cancer Detection"
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Date & Time: Monday, July 21, 2025, 6:15 PM ET
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Location: Virtual & In Person | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYC
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This closing session of HPVCA's Emerging Science Webinar Series will bring together a dynamic, cross-disciplinary panel of experts to explore cutting-edge research and clinical advances in HPV-associated cancers, early diagnostic tools, and innovative prevention strategies. Panelists include leaders in gynecology, head and neck surgery, primary care, and colon/rectal surgery, offering a rare opportunity to hear how different specialties are working together to change the landscape of cancer prevention. Panelists include:
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- Stephanie V. Blank, M.D. - Director of Gynecologic Oncology, Mount Sinai, Co-Director, Center of Excellence for Gynecologic Cancer, and Associate Director, The Tisch Cancer Institute for Women’s Cancers.
- Joseph Terlizzi, M.D. - Board Certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery/Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Alexandra Brown, M.D. - Board Certified in Family Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- Geoffrey D. Young, M.D., Ph.D., FACS - Chief of Head and Neck Cancer Surgery and Physician Lead for Quality and Safety, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. Chairman of the Department of Surgical Sciences, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University.
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MISSION PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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GIAHC x CAPED x PHRII Launch HPV Vaccination Awareness Series
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital HPV Cancer Prevention Meeting | August 20th
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On August 20th, the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will host its quarterly meeting regarding HPV Cancer prevention within rural communities from 12PM-1PMCT. Register here. Registration information also is available at stjude.org/hpvrural.
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Head & Neck Cancer Alliance to Host Survivorship Symposium in LA on October 4th
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Mark your calendar for October 4, 2025! The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Survivorship Symposium is heading to Los Angeles — we'd love to see you in person, but if you can't make it to LA, you can join us online instead. This event provides quality information about head and neck cancer to patients, survivors, and their loved ones.
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Attending in person will allow you to meet other attendees who understand what you're going through and provide the opportunity to interact with leading experts in the HNC space!
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This full-day event is free to attend and open to survivors, caregivers, and clinicians. Breakfast and lunch are included for in-person guests! Register here.
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Register for the Anal Cancer Foundation's Virtual Patient Summit
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The Anal Cancer Foundation's Virtual Patient Summit allows us to come together as a community to learn, connect, and be empowered. The Summit will bring anal cancer thrivers, caretakers and advocates together with medical experts to discuss the latest in anal cancer treatment and prevention research. We will gather to learn from one another and join in solidarity to empower everyone affected by anal cancer. This year's event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, kicking off at 8am PDT / 11am EDT / 4pm BST. Please register here to secure your place!
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MISSION-READY: HPV Prevalence & Prevention in the Military
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HPVANDME Highlights HPV Cancer Survivor's Story
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At 45, Levi Waldron battled HPV throat cancer, now the most prevalent HPV cancer in the US. Five years later, he finished the New York City Marathon—an unforgettable victory lap that definitively puts cancer behind him. In a new video, HPVANDMEME shares Levi’s story of resilience, strength, and optimism for HPV cancer patients and their families. You can watch the full video on YouTube.
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Coming Soon...
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New HPVCA Website!
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Later this month… we’re excited to release the new and improved HPV Cancers Alliance website, featuring a fresh look, smoother navigation, and an organized library of resources designed to better serve individuals, advocates, and healthcare professionals!
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Explore our updated site to easily access tools, educational materials, and the latest on HPV prevention, care, and advocacy. An announcement will go out when our new site is LIVE!
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Thank You To Our Sponsors
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Our Mission Partners
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We know that an alliance of HPV and HPV-associated cancer organization will amplify the common goal of raising awareness, spreading knowledge, and in the end, saving lives. We support our mission partners by co-sponsoring and supporting their events through cross-promotion and by meeting to discuss strategies that further our shared mission.
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Thank you to our mission partners!
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