Increase in throat cancer linked to HPV observed among male populations in Korea
In a recent report published by the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology, it has been revealed that the incidence of HPV-linked throat cancers, particularly tonsil cancer, is on the rise among South Korean men [1]. This trend, which has been observed from 2002 to 2019, is primarily attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections [3][5].
The rise in HPV-related throat cancers can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the increased prevalence of HPV infection among men in South Korea, driven by changing sexual behaviors and possibly insufficient vaccination coverage [1][5]. Another contributing factor is that HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers disproportionately affect men more than women, which aligns with global patterns where men are two to three times more likely to develop these cancers due to both biological and behavioral factors [3][5].
Lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use also contribute overall to head and neck cancers, but the HPV-linked subset is rising independently of these traditional risks [3].
The rise in HPV-related throat cancers underscores the importance of extending HPV vaccination programs to include boys and men in South Korea, not just girls [1][5]. Vaccination can prevent the infection by high-risk HPV types, thereby reducing future HPV-related cancers. Enhanced public awareness about HPV risks, safe sexual practices, and regular medical screening can support early detection and better outcomes [3].
Given the aging population and stagnating total population in South Korea, addressing HPV-related diseases through vaccination and education may have significant public health benefits [4].
Early detection of head and neck cancers, including those caused by HPV, is critical to improving survival rates. The five-year survival rate for advanced cases ranges from 50 to 60 percent, but rises to over 80 percent when the cancer is caught early [2].
Park Jun-wook, a head and neck cancer specialist at the Catholic University of Korea's Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, has emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention promptly if noticing a sore in the mouth that doesn't heal or a lump in the neck [2].
It is important to note that HPV is widely known as the leading cause of cervical cancer, but medical experts have also warned that HPV can cause oropharyngeal cancer, especially in men [2]. Oral sex with an HPV-infected partner has been widely considered a major route of HPV transmission [3].
In summary, the increase in HPV-related throat cancers among South Korean men highlights the urgent need to expand HPV vaccination coverage to males and strengthen public health interventions targeting HPV transmission and cancer prevention [1][5].
- The science of public health reveals a rise in HPV-linked throat cancers, significantly among South Korean men, as shown in a recent report.
- This report, published by the Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology, reveals data from 2002 to 2019.
- The primary cause of this rise is the increased prevalence of HPV infection among men, due to changing sexual behaviors and possibly insufficient vaccination coverage.
- Indeed, medical-conditions caused by HPV disproportionately affect men more than women, aligning with global patterns.
- Men are two to three times more likely to develop these cancers, due to both biological and behavioral factors.
- Lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol use contribute overall to head and neck cancers, but HPV-linked cancers are rising independently.
- The importance of extending HPV vaccination programs to boys and men has been accentuated to prevent future HPV-related cancers.
- Enhanced public awareness about HPV risks, safe sexual practices, and regular medical screening can support early detection and better outcomes.
- The aging population and stagnating total population in South Korea necessitate addressing HPV-related diseases for significant public health benefits.
- Early detection of head and neck cancers, such as HPV-related cancers, is critical to improving survival rates.
- The five-year survival rate for advanced cases ranges from 50 to 60 percent, but rises to over 80 percent when cancer is detected early.
- Park Jun-wook, a head and neck cancer specialist, emphasizes prompt medical attention for sores in the mouth that don't heal or lumps in the neck.
- HPV is widely recognized as the leading cause of cervical cancer but also causes oropharyngeal cancer, particularly in men.
- Oral sex with an HPV-infected partner has been identified as a major route of HPV transmission.
- The increase in HPV-related throat cancers underscores the need to expand HPV vaccination coverage to males and strengthen public health interventions.
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