HPV and Head and Neck Cancer Awareness

Each year, more than 60,000 men and women in the United States are diagnosed with head and neck cancers. About 70% of these are caused by human papillomavirus. About 10% of men and 3.6% of women have HPV in their oropharynx (tonsils and back of throat).

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. It can cause cancers of the throat, as well as cancers of the genital regions in men and women. The American Cancer Society recommends the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and precancers.

Know the numbers:

• About 80 million Americans are infected with HPV.
• About 14 million people become newly infected each year.
• About 80% of sexually active men and women get HPV infections at some point in their lives.

Use these downloadable tools to learn more and help spread awareness:

• HPV: By the numbers
• "Stick it to HPV" sticker template
• HPV vaccination rates map
• Myth Buster! Sort the HPV vaccine facts from the fiction
• HPV cancer prevention card

Protecting our most valuable resource

The vaccine is Food and Drug Administration-approved to be given at age 9 and recommended for preteen boys and girls at age 11 or 12, when it is most effective. The FDA has also approved the vaccine for adults up to age 45. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends boys and girls age 11-12 receive 2 doses of the HPV vaccine at least 6 months apart. (Read the CDC news release.) Previously, the CDC recommended 3 doses to protect against cancers caused by HPV infections. The updated recommendation from the CDC will make it easier for parents to get their children protected.

Adolescents age 13-14 are also able to receive HPV vaccination on the new 2-dose schedule. Teens and young adults who begin the series later, at age 15-26, will still need 3 doses of HPV vaccine to protect against cancer-causing HPV infection. Vaccination ensures adolescents are protected before ever being exposed to the virus.

More than 80 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been given in the United States with no serious problems. The CDC has found no proof that the HPV vaccine causes harmful side effects.

The vaccine is most beneficial when given before children come in contact with the virus. Young teens build more antibodies against the HPV vaccine and are less likely to already have HPV.

Vaccinating your child against HPV helps protect them from possible infection in later years that can lead to:

• Cancers of the mouth and throat
• Cancer of the cervix, anus and penis
• Genital warts

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the HPV vaccine.

• HPV and cervical cancer
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• HPV and Me: A nonprofit organization focused on building awareness about HPV throat cancer