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.
Patients often have questions about sexual intimacy following an HPV-related throat cancer diagnosis. In collaboration with HNCSA and the HPV Project, we’ve developed a downloadable factsheet to answer some common questions on this subject.
Why get the HPV vaccine?
HPV immunisation is an effective form of cancer prevention. The vaccine prevents against 6 cancer types: cervical, penile, vulval, vaginal, anal and throat cancer.
HPV vaccination is 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.
The vaccine is offered in schools, usually in Year 7 or 8, but it’s free for anyone up to aged 27. You can get vaccinated at your GP, certain community pharmacies and certain Family Planning clinics. Find our more here.