Following the huge success of HPV vaccination to prevent HPV-associated cancers such as cervical cancer, we are in an exciting era where vaccination to prevent other cancers is becoming a possibility. In Oxford and further afield, research scientists are developing new vaccines to prevent cancer in people with a range of conditions that put them at higher risk of cancer. Public awareness and discussion around vaccines have been heightened by the rise in vaccine hesitancy and reach of vaccine misinformation, causing many people to refuse even well-established vaccinations for preventable diseases such as measles.
We wish to start the conversation on the opportunities and challenges of rolling out new vaccines for preventing cancer, including the perspectives of the potential vaccine recipients. Initial consultations undertaken with the Oxford Cancer patient and public group raised several important issues. They highlighted the importance of ensuring approaches to cancer vaccination do not exacerbate existing health inequities and are inclusive and applicable for diverse groups. They also felt that clear information about vaccines was essential for potential recipients and their families. Understanding these, and other key issues, will help to develop clear and consistent messaging around cancer vaccines. We will be better able to anticipate and address potential issues with recruiting people into clinical trials and, if the trials are successful, the eventual uptake of the vaccines.
In this event on Monday 2nd June, we’ll start to explore the possibilities and potential barriers associated with recruiting to vaccine trials and eventually rolling out new preventive cancer vaccines, through a series of talks and interactive panel discussions with academics, clinicians, members of the public, and other key stakeholders.
Speakers will include Professor Sarah Blagden and Professor Samantha Vanderslott.
For more information and to sign up, see the Centre for Personalised Medicine website.