Rural communities in America are facing a growing and preventable health crisis as HPV-associated cancers are increasing at an alarming rate compared to urban areas.
Recent research by Jason Semprini, Ph.D., M.P.P., assistant professor in the Master of Public Health Program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, published in the Journal of Rural and Remote Health, reveals a widening disparity in HPV-related cancer incidence and mortality between rural and urban communities.
Analyzing data from 2000-21, Semprini’s study found that HPV-associated cancer incidence remained relatively stable in metropolitan and non-metropolitan urban areas. In contrast, rural communities saw a sharp rise in both cancer incidence and mortality since 2020.
Using definitions from the United States Department of Agriculture, Semprini classified “rural” areas as those outside urbanized regions or with populations below 2,500. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, about 66 million people — or 20% of the population —live in these areas.
Semprini’s findings are especially concerning given the preventable nature of HPV-associated cancers through vaccination.
“Leading up to 2020, non-metro urban and rural rates were fairly consistent, but since then, rural areas have experienced a notable spike in HPV-associated cancers,” Semprini says. “This widening gap is likely to continue unless we take immediate action to increase HPV vaccination efforts in rural communities.”
Semprini’s research highlights that factors such as lower HPV vaccine rates, reduced cancer screening and limited access to health care services contribute to this troubling trend in rural areas.
“While the HPV vaccine has been available since 2006, vaccination rates remain well below the national target of 80%, particularly in rural communities,” Semprini says.
Semprini’s future research will delve deeper into state and regional differences in rural HPV-associated cancer rates. He is also exploring effective public health interventions that could increase vaccine adherence and access to preventive care in underserved rural areas.
“Our goal is to better understand where the highest risks lie and develop targeted solutions to reduce the burden of these cancers in rural communities,” Semprini says.
For more information about Semprini’s research and DMU’s public health initiatives, visit dmu.edu/mph.
