The Rise in HPV Related Head and Neck Cancer: A Concerning Knowledge Disparity and Need for Focused Intervention

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the US's most widespread sexually transmitted diseases. HPV is associated with several cancers, including cervical and oropharyngeal (OPC). Interventions like the HPV vaccine and the Papanicolaou test have aided in decreasing the rates of cervical cancer. However, HPV-associated OPC has been on the rise in the US and is estimated to become one of the most prevalent cancers in men by 2045. Therefore, a multi-pronged approach must be adopted to combat this concerning trend. This approach should increase HPV vaccination, standardized screening for OPC, and public awareness on the association of HPV and OPC.