Cancer Prevention for People in Prison
Improving Health, Reducing Inequality
Cancer doesn’t stop at prison walls. People living in detention face unique health challenges, including limited access to preventive care, higher rates of infectious disease, and delayed diagnosis. At Prison Health, we are committed to ensuring that every person — regardless of where they are — has access to meaningful cancer prevention.
Our approach focuses on strengthening vaccination pathways for cancers linked to viral infections, particularly Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and viral hepatitis B. By providing these essential services in prison health settings, we protect individuals, reduce future illness, and support healthier communities.
Why Focus on Vaccination?
Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in cancer prevention. Certain infections significantly increase the risk of developing cancer later in life — but many of these cancers can be prevented through timely vaccination.
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HPV vaccinations reduce the risk of cervical and other HPV-associated cancers.
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Hepatitis B vaccinations protect against liver cancer linked to chronic infection.
Offering these vaccines in detention settings helps close critical gaps in care for individuals who may have missed preventive services earlier in life.
What We Offer
HPV Vaccination Programs
HPV is a common virus that can lead to cancer if left untreated. In prisons, where many people have had disrupted access to health care, providing HPV vaccination is especially important. Our programs:
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Raise awareness about HPV and cancer risk
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Provide age-appropriate vaccination according to health guidelines
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Maintain continuity of care through proper record-keeping and follow-up
Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Care
Chronic hepatitis infections are preventable but often undiagnosed. Incarcerated individuals are at higher risk due to past barriers to screening and care. At Prison Health, we:
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Screen for hepatitis B and C
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Offer hepatitis B vaccination for those who need it
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Connect individuals to treatment and follow-up support
Reducing Health Inequalities
People in prison deserve the same standard of preventive care as the rest of the population. Strengthening vaccination pathways within correctional health services helps address longstanding health disparities. By prioritizing prevention, we foster equity, dignity, and human rights.
Benefits Beyond Prison Walls
Most people living in detention will one day return to their communities. Protecting their health through cancer prevention has far-reaching benefits — reducing disease burden for families, communities, and national health systems.
Every vaccine delivered, every infection prevented, contributes to stronger public health outcomes for all.
Our Vision for the Future
We envision a world where:
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Cancer prevention is accessible to everyone, including people in detention.
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Vaccination pathways are seamless and integrated into standard prison health care.
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Health equity guides policy and practice across Europe.
Through collaboration with health authorities, NGOs, and community partners, we are building systems that protect health today and prevent illness tomorrow.
Get Involved or Learn More
If you are a health professional, policymaker, or advocate looking to support cancer prevention in prisons, we welcome you to connect with us. Together, we can change the way prevention works — for healthier individuals, families, and societies.



