MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Boyd, Barnett, Caughman, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE THAT MARCH 4, 2021, IS "HPV CANCER AWARENESS DAY" IN MISSISSIPPI TO CALL ATTENTION TO THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) AND CANCER.
WHEREAS, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are so common that nearly all men and women will get HPV at some point in their lives. Nearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and about 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year; and
WHEREAS, HPV is a recognized cause of cancer. Although most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear spontaneously, persistent infections can progress to precancer or cancer. While HPV can cause six types of cancer, only cervical cancer can be detected early. The other five cancers may not be detected until they cause health problems; and
WHEREAS, about 45,300 new cases of HPV-associated cancers occur in the United States each year, including about 25,400 among women, and about 19,900 among men. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among women, and oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) are the most common among men; and
WHEREAS, in Mississippi, it is estimated that 350 cancers per year are attributable to HPV types targeted by the HPV vaccine; and preventing cancer is better than treating it; and
WHEREAS, most HPV-related cancers can be prevented by timely HPV vaccination according to CDC guidelines, and most recent data from 2019 shows Mississippi is at the bottom of all states for HPV vaccination among adolescents; and
WHEREAS, HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. Increasing awareness among patients, parents and educating health care providers regarding the best use of the preventative tools is a key component in safeguarding health:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize March 4, 2021, as "HPV Cancer Awareness Day" in Mississippi; urge all Mississippi citizens to take advantage of the tests, screenings and vaccines that have proven effective in preventing most HPV-related cancers; and encourage all parents to consider vaccinating their children to help protect future generations from HPV-related cancers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the State Board of Health for proper distribution to the public and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.