MCI researchers and medical students present at National HPV Conference

Medical students Destyni Newson, MPH, and Grace Sekaya present a poster at the conference.

By Jessica Jones

Members from USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute’s (MCI) Cancer Control and Prevention team, along with students from the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, presented a poster at the 2025 National HPV Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Casey Daniel, Ph.D., MPH, director of epidemiology and public health, and associate professor of family medicine; Alyssa Lee, MPH, research assistant; and medical students Grace Sekaya and Destyni Newson, MPH, who are part of the Primary Care Pathway program, represented USA Health at the landmark event. The conference brought together healthcare professionals from across the country to share knowledge and collaborate on advancing efforts in human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention and education. 

Alyssa Lee, MPH, and Casey Daniel, Ph.D., MPH

“Attending the National HPV Conference allowed us to engage with leading experts in the field, share our research, and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on HPV vaccination,” Daniel said. “It is crucial that we continue to educate and collaborate with others on strategies that will help reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers, particularly in medically underserved areas like ours in south Alabama.”

The presentation highlighted the importance of HPV vaccination in underserved communities and sought to better understand how parental knowledge, attitudes, and intentions influence vaccination rates. 

HPV is a significant public health concern, as it is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. More than 13 million new infections occur each year, and approximately 36,000 cancer cases are attributed to HPV annually across multiple types, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vulvar and vaginal cancers. 

The HPV vaccine, which is recommended for individuals ages 9 through 26, offers a safe and effective means of preventing HPV infection and subsequent cancer development. Adults up to age 45 may also receive the vaccine in consultation with their healthcare provider. By increasing HPV vaccination rates, healthcare professionals aim to reduce the incidence of these preventable cancers and improve overall public health. 

The National HPV Conference seeks to foster networking, resource sharing, and cross-collaboration among healthcare providers and researchers. The conference featured 430 attendees, 136 educational sessions, and 135 speakers. 

To learn more about MCI’s cancer control and prevention initiatives, visit usamci.com. For more information on the National HPV Conference, visit nhpvc.org.