Public Health Intern, Beneath the Surface, Syracuse University
By Osayamen Igbinedion
Every January, during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, I think about how much education can genuinely save lives.
As a public health intern with Beneath the Surface — an HPV awareness initiative at Syracuse University in partnership with Upstate Cancer Center — I’ve seen firsthand how simple conversations about prevention can make a difference. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we know. Yet thousands of women across the United States are still diagnosed each year.
• HPV: A common virus with serious risks
Through my outreach work, I’ve learned that understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) is key to preventing cervical cancer and several other cancers. HPV is extremely common — most people who are sexually active will get it at some point in their lives. In most cases, the virus goes away on its own. But sometimes it lingers and can lead to cancer.
What many people don’t realize is that HPV isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s linked to six types of cancer that can affect anyone — cervical, oropharyngeal (throat and tonsil), anal, vaginal, vulvar and penile cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these cancers together affect more than 36,000 Americans each year. Knowing this makes it clear why HPV prevention matters to everyone, not just women.
• Screening and early detection
Cervical cancer often develops silently and may not show symptoms until it’s advanced, which is why regular Pap tests and HPV screenings are so necessary. These tests can detect precancerous changes early, long before they turn into cancer, making treatment easier and outcomes much better.
• The power of the HPV vaccine
The most powerful prevention tool we have is the HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9. It protects against the strains of HPV that cause about 90% of HPV-related cancers. The vaccine works best when given before exposure to the virus — ideally between ages 11 and 12, but it can start as early as age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 and some adults up to age 45 may also be eligible after talking with their healthcare provider.
• The vaccine schedule:
• Ages 9–14: Two doses, six to 12 months apart.
• Ages 15–26: Three doses over six months.
Each dose adds another layer of protection, a small step with a lifelong impact.
• Changing perceptions through education
When I talk to students and parents at community events, I’m often surprised by how many don’t know that the HPV vaccine protects both boys and girls. Some think it’s only for cervical cancer, but it also prevents throat, anal and penile cancers in men. Breaking those misconceptions is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Every time someone says, “I didn’t know that,” I feel like we’ve taken another step forward.
Beyond vaccination, safe sexual practices, avoiding tobacco and routine screenings all play essential roles in prevention. It’s about taking care of ourselves and encouraging those around us to do the same.
• Awareness starts with us
Working with Beneath the Surface has shown me that change starts with awareness. A single conversation at a health fair, a poster in a student center or a story in a local newsletter can inspire someone to get vaccinated or schedule a screening. That’s what keeps me motivated.
This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage everyone to learn about HPV, talk to your doctor and protect yourself and your loved ones. Prevention is power. And that power begins with knowledge.