MD Anderson announces new roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer in Texas

On behalf of a statewide coalition of Texas health systems, academic institutions, community organizations and advocates, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the Texas Lone Star Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2027-2032, a five-year roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer in Texas. The plan was unveiled today by coalition leaders at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) 2026 Innovations Conference.

Developed by the Cancer Alliance of Texas Cervical Cancer Elimination Priority Area Workgroup, the plan draws on a survey of Texas stakeholders and a virtual summit of more than 250 participants. It aligns with multiple priorities from the 2024 Texas Cancer Plan.

This "Lone Star" plan reflects a shared goal pursued through many local actions across the state. More than 40 coalition members signed a joint declaration outlining their own commitments in support of this plan. The Lone Star plan calls on policymakers, health systems, schools, funders and community leaders to join the effort.

Texas has the tools to prevent nearly every case of cervical cancer, but tools can save lives only when people can utilize them. The Lone Star Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan gives us a shared roadmap to vaccinate more of our children, screen more of our women and make sure every abnormal result leads to care. With innovations like HPV self-collection and the commitment of partners across the state, elimination is within reach."

Ernest Hawk, M.D., vice president and division head of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, UT MD Anderson

Elimination of cervical cancer in Texas is defined as fewer than four new cases per 100,000 women per year. Currently, Texas has an incidence rate of 9.5 per 100,000, compared with 7.5 nationally. The state ranks eighth in the nation for incidence and sixth for mortality. Some Texas counties have incidence rates between 15 and 21 per 100,000, with the burden falling hardest on uninsured, rural, border and minority communities.

The plan is built on three pillars, each with a target for 2032:

• HPV vaccination: Increase the percentage of Texas boys and girls up to date on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination by age 15 from 50.5% to 80%
• Cervical cancer screening: Raise the share of Texas women up to date on cervical cancer screening from 64% to 80%, including adding primary HPV testing and HPV self-collection as options
• Timely follow-up, diagnosis and treatment: Ensure 80% of women receive diagnostic follow-up and treatment when needed through community outreach, patient navigation, provider training and survivorship support

Patient navigation and access are featured across all three pillars, with a focus on expanding reach in rural and border communities and including people without health insurance.

"Behind every cervical cancer statistic is a woman who didn't get a screening, a family that didn't have a trusted person to guide them or a community that was overlooked," said Sharyn Malatok, chair of the Cancer Alliance of Texas. "Elimination will happen in our clinics, schools, churches and neighborhoods, through community health workers, promotores, and navigators who meet people where they are. This plan puts those communities at the center, and we are proud to stand behind it."

The full plan can be found at TexasCancerPlan.org/CCEP.