USI to host film documenting HPV epidemic on September 21

The University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions is collaborating with Gilda's Club Evansville and American Cancer Society to bring the award-winning film Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic to campus on Monday, September 21. The free film screening, which is open to the public, will be from 6-8 p.m. in Carter Hall, located in the University Center West.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection with 79 million Americans currently infected and 14 million Americans who will contract the virus each year.

"My interest is on prevention. We have a vaccine that can prevent HPV-related cancers, yet we have dismal immunization rates," said Julie St. Clair, clinical assistant professor of nursing at USI. "My hope is that we can increase awareness about HPV that will lead to increased rates of immunization."

Different strains of HPV can cause six types of cancers, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal and oral/oropharyngeal cancers. It is estimated that by 2020, HPV-related oral cancers in men will surpass cervical cancer in women.

Someone You Love follows the lives of five women struggling with the disease, detailing their diagnosis, treatment and prognosis over a period of several years. This feature-length, in-depth documentary on HPV tells the stories of tragedy and triumph surrounding this complicated and often misunderstood infection.

Following the screening, there will be a panel of medical experts from Deaconess Hospital, St. Mary's, Vanderburgh County Health Department and college representatives to answer questions.

For more information, contact St. Clair at jstclair@usi.edu or view the film trailer at www.hpvepidemic.com.