Devraj Basu, MD, PhD, FACS
Devraj Basu, MD, PhD, FACS, of the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, an expert in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer, commented on this study:
“This abstract shows lack of awareness of multiple types of HPV-associated cancer and a reduced awareness of the vaccine in the United States. This could be attributed to several factors. There is already awareness of the value and success of screening for cervical cancer. However, the incidence of oropharyngeal HPV-associated cancer is increasing, predominantly in males, and there have been limited efforts to raise public awareness to highlight this disease. For women, the recommendation for Pap smears by doctors raises awareness, but there is no equivalent screening test for oropharyngeal cancers, and there may not be one in the near future although HPV circulating DNA-based blood testing for screening now shows some promise.”
Dr. Basu continued: “Anal cancers occur in about 8,000 to 9,000 people per year, and penile cancer occurs in about 2,000 people per year in the United States. But there are now more than 20,000 cases of oropharyngeal cancers per year, and the number is still increasing,” he said. “In the HPV-positive space, oropharyngeal cancers have already exceeded cervical cancers in the developed world and will become the most common type of head and neck cancer in the coming years.”
“The vaccine reduces the risk of cervical cancer,” Dr. Basu noted. “Data are emerging that it is very likely to reduce the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer. It is relevant to vaccinate boys. Pediatricians may talk to girls and parents about cervical cancer more than about oropharyngeal cancer. Another barrier to vaccine uptake is increased societal suspicion of vaccination,” he added.
“The FDA has extended approval of the vaccine from age 25 to age 45, and so the burden of education now also extends beyond pediatricians to doctors who treat adults,” Dr. Basu stated.
DISCLOSURE: Dr. Basu reported no conflicts of interest.
