The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has awarded Dr. Abbey Berenson over $1.3 million to prevent HPV-related cancers in young women in Galveston and Hidalgo counties. The award will provide no-cost HPV vaccinations and patient
navigation services to eligible 18–26 year old women seeking care at UTMB clinics in Galveston and McAllen, Texas. The award will also educate physicians and other health care providers about the importance of recommending the HPV vaccine to
all eligible patients.
Nationally, less than half of women under age 26 have been vaccinated against HPV, leaving them at risk for several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. The rates are even lower among young women receiving care through UTMB’s Regional Maternal
and Child Health program (RMCHP) due to barriers of knowledge, access, and cost. The $1.3 million grant award from CPRIT will establish patient navigation services at RMCHP Galveston and RMCHP McAllen to help women access and complete the 3-dose HPV
vaccine series. The vaccine will be available at no cost and patients will be educated on HPV risks and prevention and receive reminders for their second and third doses. To reach even more patients, health care providers will be educated through
the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, and medical societies in Galveston and Hidalgo counties.
The funding is the 5th CPRIT grant awarded to Dr. Berenson to increase HPV vaccination rates among underserved Texans.