FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION: COMBATING HPV-LINKED ORAL CANCERS

Although HPV vaccination has long been advocated for the prevention of cervical cancer, its application in preventing HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers is increasingly being recognized.

- Dr. Thangarajan Rajkumar

India’s challenge with locally prevalent cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx presents a dual burden with different causes, disease progression, and public health issues. According to Science Direct, oral cavity cancers have predominantly been attributed in the past to tobacco and alcohol use, while oropharyngeal cancers are increasingly associated with chronic high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

For healthcare providers, including hospitals, oncologists, and health administrators, understanding the evolving trajectory of these cancers is essential to develop evidence-based strategies for prevention, screening, and treatment that are effective and sustainable. Addressing the unique causes and trajectories of these cancers will enable improved patient outcomes through targeted interventions, while aligning public health efforts with the latest scientific insights.

Cross-sector collaboration will be critical in reducing the growing burden of these diseases. This article outlines the clinical and public health dimensions of these cancers in India, identifies key opportunities for medical institutions to intervene, and discusses the role of HPV vaccination in long-term disease control.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors: A Distinctive Disease Profile

As per the Indian Cancer Society, India has the highest worldwide prevalence of oral cavity cancers, which is largely due to the extensive use of tobacco in both smokeless and smoked forms, along with alcohol intake, inadequate oral hygiene, and diet. These cancers contribute significantly to cancer morbidity and mortality, particularly among males in rural and peri-urban areas.