News from the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative | January 2021
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NEW ISSUE BRIEF
HPV-Related Cancers and Vaccination Coverage in Wisconsin
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This timely new Issue Brief examines statewide HPV-related cancer trends, offers strategies to prevent cancer by increasing HPV vaccination among girls and boys in Wisconsin, and explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected HPV vaccine access and uptake.
HPV is a common virus that causes six types of cancer in men and women. The most common HPV-related cancer in Wisconsin is oropharyngeal cancer (affecting areas of the mouth and throat), which is twice as common among men.
The HPV vaccine can prevent these cancers. Unfortunately, the majority of Wisconsin children are not getting the HPV vaccine. Boys are especially at risk of not getting vaccinated.
Read the Issue Brief to learn more about HPV-related cancers in Wisconsin and how you can improve HPV vaccination rates in your community.
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HPV Fact Sheet: A helpful snapshot of HPV vaccination rates in Wisconsin, with action steps you can take to make a difference.
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HPV Infographic: This tool is perfect for sharing online, or print it and post in your office, school, or clinic.
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HPV Flyers and Posters: Download and share these free flyers and posters for pre-teens, teens, and parents.
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HPV Webinar: View our recent member webinar to learn more about HPV infection, HPV-attributable cancers, and HPV vaccine rates in Wisconsin.
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CANCER POLICY
State and Federal Policy Update
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Just before the close of the year, the president signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which funds the entire federal government and a multitude of provisions contained in the COVID-19 relief package. The multi-trillion dollar package contains funding for cancer research, prevention, and control efforts on the national and state level.
The new law includes patient protections from “surprise” medical billing for a wide variety of services, treatments, and procedures. Patients receiving care at facilities considered in-network under their insurance plan may receive unexpected bills from providers outside of their plan’s network. Under the new law, patients will only be responsible for in-network payment rates.
The COVID-19 package also included a bill that will close the Medicare loophole for colorectal screenings. Previously, seniors on Medicare received surprise out-of-pocket costs when polyps were detected and removed during screening colonoscopies. The fix will prevent Medicare beneficiaries from being billed if they have polyps detected and removed during a routine colonoscopy. A last-minute amendment to the provision implements a phase-out of these costs to seniors over the next nine years.
Finally, Congress included the Clinical Treatment Act, which expands clinical trial access to Medicaid beneficiaries. The purpose of the bill is to increase the diversity of patients participating in clinical trials.
Here in Wisconsin, the 2021 legislative session starts this month, as lawmakers face unique challenges to working on bills and a biennial budget during an ongoing pandemic. Following Gov. Tony Evers' budget address on Feb. 16, the state legislature will begin the process to develop the next biennial budget, under the shadow of a negative fiscal forecast.
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TOBACCO CESSATION
Quit Smoking in the New Year
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With the New Year rolling in, many people are inspired to set new goals and create healthy habits. One of the best things we can do for our health is to quit smoking.
In Wisconsin, more than 700,000 people still smoke. Thankfully, many free resources are available to help Wisconsinites quit tobacco for good. Use the following tools to help patients and community members in their efforts stop smoking.
Resources:
The WTQL is a free service to help people quit smoking, vaping, or other tobacco use. The service is free 24/7 to any Wisconsin resident who is at least 13 years old.
The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line features a tailored program for American Indians in Wisconsin. When calling the WTQL, individuals who identify as American Indian will receive culturally tailored interventions that integrate the unique social context of American Indian culture.
First Breath is a free, statewide program that helps pregnant women, new moms, and their families quit smoking.
UW-CTRI conducts tobacco research throughout Wisconsin. In addition, the program focuses on strategies to improve the effectiveness of community, state, and national responses to reduce the emotional, physical, and financial consequences of smoking.
The Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) is dedicated to reducing tobacco’s burden. TPCP offers information on tobacco prevention, how to quit smoking, youth programs, other local efforts, and other resources regarding tobacco use.
The Partnership for Tobacco Free Wisconsin is a statewide partnership that enhances lives by reducing the burden of tobacco in the state of Wisconsin.
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CANCER SCREENING
Helping Patients Get Screened for Cancer During the Pandemic
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This one-page, easy-to-read Fact Sheet highlights the importance of routine cancer screenings, while sharing information on how patients can safely receive these screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We encourage you to download and share this resource to help remind patients that routine cancer screenings are important, and that health systems are taking appropriate precautions to ensure patients' safety.
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COVID-19 AND CANCER
Webinar: The Challenges of Rapidly Developing & Distributing COVID-19 Vaccines
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Join our January webinar: As COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, the public’s knowledge and confidence in their safety is an important part of our nation’s vaccination effort. Learn about the development of the COVID-19 vaccine and the challenges we could face moving forward. Register today.
We will be joined by special guest Dr. James Conway, Medical Director for UW Health Immunization Programs, who will address the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and what cancer patients need to know about the vaccine.
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JOIN US
Thursday, Jan. 28
10-11 am
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LEADERSHIP NEWS
Welcoming New Leaders in the New Year
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The new year brings new changes for the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative's Steering Committee!
This month we are excited to welcome seven new Steering Committee members, each of whom brings professional expertise, strong community connections, and an abiding belief in the power of partnerships to create healthier communities for all who call Wisconsin home.
Please help us welcome:
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Jennifer Collins, Research Program Manager, UW Carbone Cancer Center
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Carol Grabowski, MD, Medical Oncologist/Palliative Medicine, Marshfield Clinic
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Crystal Landeros, CHES, Bilingual Tobacco Prevention Coordinator, United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS)
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Andrea Larson, RN, BSN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Westfields Hospital/Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin
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Kurt Oettel, MD, Medical Oncologist, Gundersen Health System (and our new Policy Committee chairperson)
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Annika Swanson, MPH, CCRP, Executive Director of Medical Science Liaisons, Novartis Oncology
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Alonzo Walker, MD, Retired, Surgical Oncology, Director of Breast Center, Medical College of Wisconsin
We also want to share our sincere appreciation for outgoing Steering Committee members Criss Gutsch and Anneke Mohr, and outgoing Policy Committee Chairperson HJ Waukau, for sharing their expertise, guidance, and thoughtful leadership. Thank you!!
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Cervical Cancer Awareness Social Media Toolkit |
This GW Cancer toolkit is designed to help stakeholders implement evidence-based practices when communicating about cervical cancer. The toolkit can also help you plan, implement, and evaluate your social media strategy and make the case for why it’s important. It can be used throughout the year or for specific health observances like Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
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HPV Vaccine Facts for Health Care Providers Social Media Toolkit |
This GW Cancer toolkit is designed to help public health professionals establish a social media strategy to encourage providers to effectively talk to parents and adolescents about the HPV vaccine. Public health professionals, state area health education centers, and community-based organizations can all use this toolkit and adapt its messaging to reach health care providers most effectively.
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Article: Community and Research Perspectives on Cancer Disparities in Wisconsin |
Significant disparities are apparent in geographic areas and among racial/ethnic minority groups in Wisconsin. Cancer disparities are complex and multifactorial and require collaborative, multilevel efforts to reduce their impact. This article's objective was to understand cancer disparities and identify opportunities to collaborate across community and research sectors.
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January 13
Hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP)
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January 14
Hosted by Advocates in Science
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January 15
Hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison SMPH
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January 18
Hosted by the Medical College of Wisconsin
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Would you like to add a virtual event to our Member Event Calendar?
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