HPV Vaccine Experiences and Preferences Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Caregivers of Childhood Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing HPV-associated cancers later in life, yet their HPV vaccination rates remain lower than the general population. Improving HPV vaccination uptake among survivors is essential to preventing second malignancies. We interviewed HPV vaccine eligible adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (18–26 years) and caregivers of HPV vaccine eligible childhood cancer survivors approaching the AYA age range (9–17 years) about their HPV vaccine experiences and preferences as informed by the HPV Vaccination Roundtable Best Practices. Interviews (N = 20) were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretive description. Of AYA survivors (n = 10), 50% had received at least one HPV vaccine dose. Of caregivers (n = 10), 30% reported their child had received at least one HPV vaccine dose. Three distinct categories emerged including (1) HPV vaccine knowledge, (2) HPV vaccination recommendation preferences, and (3) HPV vaccination reminder preferences. The first two categories were oncology focused. Participants lacked knowledge regarding HPV vaccine safety and applicability due to their complex cancer history. Most participants strongly preferred that their oncologist provide an HPV vaccine recommendation. The third category was mixed, with some participants preferring oncology-based HPV vaccine reminders while others preferred primary care-based reminders. Almost all participants preferred digital reminders (e.g., text messages). Our results suggest that oncologists play an essential role in recommending the HPV vaccine and providing information to assist survivors and caregivers with vaccine decision-making. Additionally, HPV vaccination uptake among pediatric and childhood and AYA survivors could be improved through the use of tailored, electronically delivered vaccine reminders.