Prevalence of Risk Factors Related to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Among College Students

The incidence of head and neck cancers among young individuals is increasing in the United States. Various sexual behaviors, heavy tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection, and lack of HPV vaccination may increase the risk of head and neck cancer in the younger male population. The study was conducted to identify the risk factors for head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) among college students. A convenience sample of 1,685 students from an undergraduate health course was selected for the study. The self-reported, anonymous electronic questionnaire included items on the following risk factors: tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection and/or presence of genital warts, oral hygiene, open-mouth kissing, and practice of various sexual behaviors. Statistical results showed that among college-aged males, the use of tobacco products and alcohol is much higher than females (P=0.000). Significance was also found between gender and sexual behaviors in one's lifetime and within the past 12 months (P=0.000). On average, males have higher numbers of vaginal and oral sex partners than females. In addition, males reported having twice the number of open-mouth kissing partners compared to their female counterparts (6 as opposed to 3). Importantly, the percentage of males who completed all three HPV vaccinations in the series is much lower (10.1%) than females (89.9%) which make them more vulnerable to HPV transmission, thus increasing the risk of HNSCC. College-aged males seem to be engaged in more high-risk activities related to HNSCC compared to their female counterparts. Integration of preventive public health strategies should be considered.