HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer
You have probably heard that HPV can cause cervical cancer. But did you know that it can also cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, and throat?
Even More Evidence for the Value of Early HPV Vaccination
An exciting new study in Scotland found no cases of invasive cervical cancer in young women who had gotten the HPV vaccine by the time they were 14. The study also found that women vaccinated between ages 14 and 22 had lower rates of cervical cancer than unvaccinated women.
Scotland began a vaccination program in 2008. It offered the HPV vaccine to girls in their first year of secondary school (ages 12 or 13). To determine how effective the vaccine was, researchers analyzed health records for all young women born between 1988 and 1996.
The results show that the vaccination was 100% effective against cervical cancer when given at ages 12 or 13, 86% effective when given between ages 14 and 16, and 39% effective when given at ages 17 or 18. The study found no protective benefits when the vaccine was given over the age of 18.
It is important to note that many women who were vaccinated as part of this program are in their 20s and 30s now, which is still quite young. The average age for diagnosis of cervical cancer in the United States, for example, is 50. To truly understand the protection provided by the vaccine, researchers will need to continue following young people who’ve gotten the shot into their 60s and 70s.
In addition, the women in this study received a bivalent version of the HPV vaccine. It protected against HPV types 16 and 18 which are known to cause most cervical cancers, as well as other types known to cause genital warts. Today, both the U.K. and the U.S. use a nonavalent vaccine. It protects against nine types of HPV known to cause cervical and other cancers such as anal, vulvar/vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancers (those of the head and neck). Again, to truly understand the protection provided by the vaccine, we will need to follow people given this newer version of the vaccine for several decades as well.
Still, this study offers more proof that vaccinating young people early provides the best protection against cervical cancer. It also confirmed that younger people (12 and 13) need fewer shots (one or two) to be fully protected while people starting later should get three shots.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for people of all sexes and genders between ages 9 and 26 though it can be given up to age 45. The CDC recommends that the HPV vaccine be part of the routine vaccinations given to young people at ages 11 or 12.
Experts in the U.S. have said that we can eliminate cervical cancer in this country with widespread HPV vaccination.
More to explore
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—Understanding this Common Infection
There are over 100 different types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and other types can cause cancer, including cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis or anus, as well as cancer in the back of the throat.
Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Haven’t Rebounded After the Pandemic
The pandemic interrupted our regularly scheduled doctor’s visits and pushed off preventative care like Pap tests.
New Study Shows a Dramatic Drop in Cervical Pre-Cancers
A new study has found a dramatic drop in the rates of cervical pre-cancers among young adult women. This is great news and further proof that the HPV vaccine is working.
The HPV Vaccine Prevents Cancer
In the U.S., HPV infections are estimated to cause about 37,300 cases of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of these cancers from ever developing.
What You Need to Know About the HPV Self-Collection Test
There’s a new way to screen for cervical cancer. With self-collection, you can take a sample of cells from your vagina. You still have to go to your provider’s office, but there’s no pelvic exam, stirrups, or speculum involved.
HPV Vaccination Rates Among Teens Not Going Up
For the second year in a row, HPV vaccination rates among teens have not gone up according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The types of HPV that cause genital warts are usually spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or possibly oral sex with someone who has this infection.