HPV & head and neck cancer
Over 70% of oropharyngeal (throat) cancer cases are attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV has overtaken smoking and alcohol as the main cause of throat cancer. Rates oropharyngeal cancer are also on the rise in Aotearoa New Zealand. (1)
HPV is a common infection. Luckily, there is a vaccine which is effective in preventing HPV strains 6/11/16/18 - those responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers.
Why get the HPV vaccine?
HPV immunisation is a form of cancer prevention - including oropharyngeal cancer. It’s very safe, and its success can be seen in countries such as Australia which is on-track to eliminate cervical cancer owing to its high vaccination rate.
You can read more about where to get the HPV vaccine here.