Oral Cancer Month Encourages More HPV Vaccinations

In April 2024, the United States observes the 15th Annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which emphasizes the significance of preventing human papillomavirus (HPV)- related oral cancers.

Projections estimate an upward trend for the next decade, with predictions greater than 30,000 oral cancer cases annually by 2029.

Research shows that more than 90% of oropharyngeal cancer cases are linked to HPV 16.

As of 2023, oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancers impact far more men than women.

Health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified several tactics to reduce sexually transmitted oral cancers, such as vaccination.

While most young people are offered the HPV vaccine, uptake has recently plateaued in the U.S.

According to the U.S. CDC, the percentage of children who have received one or more HPV vaccine doses increased with age:

• 7.3% among children ages 9–10 years,
• 30.9% among children ages 11–12 years,
• 48.8% among children ages 13–14 years, and
• 56.9% among children ages 15–17 years.

Specifically, girls (42.9%) were more likely than boys (34.6%) to have received one or more HPV vaccine doses as of 2022.

"This Oral Health Month, we are urging parents to educate themselves on the benefits of the HPV vaccine, many of which people may not already be aware of," commented Kelly Palmateer, Oral Health Program Manager at Prince Edward Public Health, in a press release on April 17, 2024.

"Parents want to give their children the best start in life, and this (HPV) vaccine gives them the chance to invest in their child's future health."

The good news regarding the HPV vaccination market segment is that it is expanding.

The leading HPV vaccine reached the billion-dollar revenue milestone in late 2023, reporting a 27% increase from last year's fourth quarter.

Furthermore, pharmacists in most states administer HPV vaccines to patients, though some states may have age restrictions. 

In 2024, it is commonplace for pharmacies on main-street to provide influenza, pneumococcal, and herpes zoster vaccination services.

And as cancer-prevention awareness increases, so should HPV vaccinations.

With six HPV vaccines already approved in 2024 and several innovative HPV vaccine candidates in development, access to cancer-preventing vaccines looks very promising.