While the human papillomavirus (HPV) is historically linked to cervical cancer in women, head and neck cancer has become the most common HPV-associated cancer in the U.S., with a growing prevalence among men. A new study suggests that the HPV vaccine could help beyond its well-known protection against cervical cancer.
The research team, led by otolaryngologist Joseph Curry, MD, analyzed over a million health records of individuals ages nine to 39, comparing the outcomes of vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Their findings showed that men vaccinated for HPV had a lower risk of developing head and neck cancers, and vaccinated women experienced a reduced risk of cervical cancer and other pre-cancerous conditions.
According to Dr. Curry, it’s a positive step toward addressing misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine, especially among groups that may not see themselves as at risk, such as men who mistakenly think the vaccine is only for preventing cervical cancer.
“I hope these results will encourage healthcare providers and policymakers to endorse HPV vaccination initiatives as a measure to prevent cancer on a larger scale,” he says.
The team’s future studies will follow vaccinated individuals as they reach the typical age for developing these cancers, allowing researchers to better assess long-term vaccine efficacy in preventing head and neck, and other HPV-linked cancers.
