Head and Neck Cancer and HPV
HPV is a major risk factor for head and neck cancers, particularly in the oropharynx, affecting areas like the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue. High-risk strains, such as HPV-16, are closely linked to these cancers, which are increasing in prevalence and can often affect younger individuals. HPV vaccination plays a key role in prevention.
For Dental Practitioners
Our resource provides a guide for dental practitioners on HPV and its connection to oropharyngeal cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection, patient education, and the role of HPV vaccination in prevention.
For Patients
Our resource for patients highlights the role of the HPV vaccine in preventing oropharyngeal cancer and other HPV-related conditions. It offers insights into the eligibility for vaccination, the significant benefits of getting vaccinated, and practical prevention strategies.
Additional Resources for Providers / HCPs
CIDC
HPV Global Action
Canadian Dental Association
American Dental Association
Canada vs HPV (FMWC)
IPVS
HPV Task Force
Additional Resources for Patients
CDSA
HPV Global Action
Canadian Dental Association
American Dental Association
Canada vs HPV (FMWC)
HPV Task Force
Other Resources
References
Canadian Cancer Society. Head and Neck Cancer Statistics. 2023. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/oral/statistics.
Canadian Cancer Society. Human Papillomavirus. n.d. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/reduce-your-risk/get-vaccinated/human-papillomavirus-hpv.
Chaturvedi AK, Graubard BI, Broutian T, Pickard RKL, Tong Z-Y, Xiao W, et al. Effect of Prophylactic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination on Oral HPV Infections Among Young Adults in the United States. J Clin Oncol 2018;36:262–7. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2017.75.0141.
Devi S, Singh N. Dental Care During and After Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer. Natl J Maxillofac Surg 2014;5:117–25. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-5950.154812.
D’Souza G, McNeel TS, Fakhry C. Understanding Personal Risk of Oropharyngeal Cancer: Risk-Groups for Oncogenic Oral HPV Infection and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Ann Oncol 2017;28:3065–9. https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdx535.
Government of Alberta. Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine (HPV 9). 2024. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/aip/resource/aaec771b-7add-4d50-97e8-9a7b5f8c9ddf/download/AIP-BP-HPV-9.pdf.
National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer. National Institutes of Health. 2019. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
National Cancer Institute. Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment. National Institutes of Health 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/adult/oropharyngeal-treatment-pdq.
Osazuwa‐Peters N, Simpson MC, Zhao L, Boakye EA, Olomukoro SI, Deshields T, et al. Suicide risk Among Cancer Survivors: Head and Neck Versus Other Cancers. Cancer 2018;124:4072–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.31675.
Public Health Agency of Canada. Updated Recommendations on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines: 9-valent HPV Vaccine 2-dose Immunization Schedule and the use of HPV Vaccines in Immunocompromised Populations. Government of Canada. 2017. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/updated-recommendations-human-papillomavirus-immunization-schedule-immunocompromised-populations.html.
