HPV Vaccine Linked to Reduced Risk of Head and Neck Cancers

The highly preventive HPV vaccine evidently protects against the Human Papillomavirus which, as per a Mayo Clinic report, happens to be the leading cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccine reportedly carries a 90% preventive track record against cervical cancers. The Human Papillomavirus may be largely categorised as a sexually transmitted virus, with popular perceptions restricting its impact to the genital areas.

But as per a Washington Post report, it has now become the greatest risk factor for head and neck cancer. An estimate on accountability for oropharyngeal cancer stands at an alarming 30%. HPV Among Leading Causes for Cancers of the Head and Neck Cancers of the head and neck here are in reference to the areas of the mouth, throat, voice vox, sinuses, nasal cavities and salivary glands. Of these, oral cavities and pharynx cancers have seen the steepest rise in rates.

The most common and obvious risk factor for cancers of the head and neck, as outlined in The Washington Post report, is tobacco use. This is followed by heavy alcohol use as another major factor.

The report shares an equation to put things into perspective: Say a person drinks four alcoholic beverages a day, daily, for 20 years - they are likely to have thrice the odds of developing oral cavity cancer or pharynx cancer, as opposed to someone who does not drink as heavily or consume alcohol. Also Read: Extreme Heat May Intensify Symptoms of Aggressive Brain Tumours Like Glioblastoma, Experts Say A Prevention-First Approach Prevention is better than cure. And that rings particularly true in this scenario. 2 doses of the vaccine are recommended for children at the age of 11 or 12 - one can also start on the vaccination as early as 9 years of age. For those that missed the HPV vaccination as a child, they can take it up to 26 years of age, clears the report.