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A recent pair of studies conducted by the USC Head and Neck Center, part of the Keck Medicine of USC and the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, reveal a critical gap in public awareness regarding the connection between HPV (human papillomavirus) and throat cancer. Additionally, the research underscores the alarmingly low rates of HPV vaccination among American adults—a key preventive measure against the virus.
Despite efforts to raise awareness, less than one-third of Americans are aware of the link between HPV and throat cancer. This is a concerning revelation, as HPV, a common virus affecting approximately 43 million Americans annually, can lead to various cancers, including those affecting the throat. Daniel Kwon, MD, a head and neck surgeon with Keck Medicine and lead author of one of the studies, emphasized the importance of public knowledge: "Knowledge is the first step toward disease prevention. The public is missing crucial information about the link between throat cancer and HPV, as well as the fact that vaccines may prevent HPV-related throat cancer."
The first study analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey, evaluating responses from over 7,300 adults between 2018 and 2020. Results showed a minimal increase in awareness of the HPV-throat cancer link, rising slightly from 27% in 2018 to 29.5% in 2020. This stagnation persists despite expanded eligibility for the HPV vaccine, which now includes adults aged 27-45. The researchers, however, found health advocacy efforts insufficient in raising awareness post-2018 eligibility expansion.
Cervical cancer, once the most prevalent HPV-related cancer, has seen a decline due to targeted awareness campaigns and regular screenings such as Pap smears. Unfortunately, there is currently no equivalent screening for throat cancer, which disproportionately affects men. Dr. Kwon calls for increased educational efforts targeting men, highlighting the urgent need to address this growing concern.
A second study focused on HPV vaccination rates, exploring data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey conducted between 2018 and 2022. From a sample of over 26,000 adults aged 30-44, only 6.5% reported being fully vaccinated against HPV. Dr. Niels Kokot, MD, another lead researcher at Keck Medicine, points out multiple factors contributing to low vaccination rates, including inadequate public knowledge about HPV’s cancer link and insufficient advertising compared to campaigns for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Socioeconomic status, race, education level, access to healthcare, sexual orientation, and gender were also influential, with certain groups being less likely to receive the vaccine.
These studies highlight the need for comprehensive public health campaigns to boost awareness and vaccination rates. Dr. Kokot recommends that eligible adults consult with healthcare providers about their vaccination options, emphasizing that "Every patient's circumstances are different, and the subject is worth a discussion to see if an individual would benefit from the vaccine." The findings aim to propel a nationwide push for more robust public education on the benefits and necessity of the HPV vaccine in combating preventable cancers.
