Preventing HPV-Related Cancers Through Immunization

By Alice M. Horowitz, RDH, MA, PhD, and Cheryl A. Vamos, PhD, MPH

The rates of oropharyngeal cancers are increasing rapidly in the United States, posing a major public health challenge.^1,2 Primary anatomical sites for oral cancers include the side of tongue and below the tongue while primary sites for oropharyngeal cancers include the tonsils and base of tongue or oropharynx. However, oral cancer can encompass all areas of the mouth, including the gingiva and floor of the mouth.³ The American Cancer Society estimates that 53,000 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancers will be diagnosed in 2019, resulting in 10,860 deaths.³ Previously, major risk factors for oral cancers included tobacco  and alcohol use; however, current research has now established that 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).^4,5 Whether alcohol and tobacco use impacts HPV is not clearly understood. However, smoking may support the progression of HPV infection to carcinogenesis.⁶

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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