Call for Increased Community Education Regarding Common HPV-Associated Cancers Within the Urban Safety-Net Hospital Population.

Abstract

While oropharyngeal and cervical cancer rates declined in the 1980s, incidence and mortality rates from both cancers have increased annually in the last two decades. The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer has now surpassed that of cervical cancer. A lack of knowledge about preventative measures and risk factors, including human papillomavirus [HPV] infection, may contribute to rising oropharyngeal cancer rates. This study examines patients' knowledge of oropharyngeal cancer and its relation to cervical cancer and HPV to identify the need for education surrounding HPV-related cancers. We analyzed self-reported baseline survey data from 347 women aged 16-45 participating in an open-label, randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of two versus three doses of the HPV vaccine. The survey evaluated participants' knowledge of HPV, transmission and prevention, and the vaccine. Descriptive statistics and contingency tables were utilized to evaluate associations between oropharyngeal and cervical cancer questions. There is a knowledge gap regarding HPV and its association with cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. Notably, 53.6% were unsure or did not have the knowledge that most oropharyngeal cancers are caused by infection, only 34.0% knew of a vaccine for oropharyngeal cancer prevention and 44.8% were unsure about a vaccine for oropharyngeal cancer but knew one for cervical cancer. Additionally, there are inconsistencies in patient knowledge regarding the availability and efficacy of an HPV vaccine to target secondary oropharyngeal cancer and cervical cancer. These findings suggest that addressing the knowledge gap with education about HPV and cancer may increase HPV vaccination rates and combat rising rates of oropharyngeal and cervical cancer.