Only one-third of Americans know thathuman papillomavirus (HPV)—a commonsexually transmitted infection—is linked to throat cancer, according to a new study.

HPV can be transmitted through oral sex, and individuals can acquire a new infection with each new sexual partner. While HPV often clears on its own, persistent infections can lead to cancer over time, highlighting the importance of vaccination.

“The public is missing crucial information about the link between throat cancer and HPV, as well as the fact that vaccines may prevent HPV-related throat cancer,” saidDaniel Kwon, MD, a head and neck surgeon at Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) and senior author of the study.

What the HPV Vaccine Does If You’re Already Infected

Murky Guidance on HPV Vaccination

The low rate may be due to vague guidance on HPV vaccination for adults. The HPV vaccine, introduced in the U.S. in 2006, was initially recommended for girls and women ages 9 to 26. In 2009, the recommendation expanded to include boys and men in the same age range. By 2018, the vaccine’s use was extended to adults ages 27 to 45.

However, while there are clear recommendations for younger people from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the guidance for adults 27 to 45 is less definitive.For this group, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises “shared clinical decision-making,” meaning individuals should consult their healthcare provider to decide whether vaccination is appropriate.

A lack of public awareness about the link between HPV and cancer may have also contributed to the low HPV vaccination rate, saidNiels Kokot, MD, a head and neck surgeon at Keck Medicine USC and the senior author of the survey study. He noted fewer public service campaigns promoting the HPV vaccine compared to the more widely publicized campaigns for the COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots.

Additionally, growing vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. may have also reduced the uptake of the HPV vaccine, Kokot said.

ACIP also recommends shared clinical decision-making for four other vaccines: the pneumonia vaccine for those over 65 who have had earlier versions, the hepatitis B vaccine for people with diabetes who are 60 and older, the meningitis vaccine for people ages 16 to 23, and additional COVID-19 vaccine doses for immunocompromised individuals.

The CDC says that while the HPV vaccine may provide some benefit for adults over 26 years old, it’s less effective than for children and young adults not yet sexually active, as most adults have already been exposed to HPV through sexual activity.

However, researchers note that individuals can acquire a new HPV infection with each new sexual partner, increasing their risk for several cancers, including cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and throat.

HPV Vaccination Guidance May Get an Update Soon

Better guidance for adults about the HPV vaccine is now under discussion. In June, ACIP convened an HPV Vaccines Work Group to review several key issues, including whether to change the number of recommended vaccine doses.

The proposed changes would reduce the dose schedule from two to one for individuals ages 9 to 26 and from three to two for adults ages 27 to 45. The World Health Organization adopted similar changes in 2022 after studies showed the vaccine remains effective at lower doses.

“Reducing the number of doses needed, if advised, may take away one barrier for vaccination with the HPV vaccine,” saidOliver T. Brooks, MD, chair of the HPV Vaccines Work Group and chief of pediatrics at the Watts Healthcare Corporation in Los Angeles.

The work group is also reviewing the recommended age for routine HPV vaccination and clarifying guidance for adults in the “shared clinical decision-making” age group.

“When we have shared clinical decision-making for a vaccine, it can lead to less uptake. Doctors don’t often have the time to discuss the options,” Brooks said.

Kokot said he hopes the new study findings will help spur greater public education on the HPV vaccine. He also recommends that any eligible adult who has not yet been vaccinated for HPV talk to a healthcare provider about vaccinations.

“Every patient’s circumstances are different, and the subject is worth a discussion to see if an individual would benefit from the vaccine,” Kokot said.

What You Need to Know About the New Self-Collection HPV Tests

What This Means For YouHPV is not only a risk factor for cervical cancer but also a leading cause of throat cancer. Getting the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce your risk of HPV-related cancers. While the vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, adults up to age 45 may still benefit. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

What This Means For You

HPV is not only a risk factor for cervical cancer but also a leading cause of throat cancer. Getting the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce your risk of HPV-related cancers. While the vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, adults up to age 45 may still benefit. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ayo‐Ajibola OO, Koh M, Julien C, et al.Temporal trends in knowledge of human papillomavirus and associated oropharyngeal cancer following expanded vaccination eligibility.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online November 4, 2024. doi:10.1002/ohn.1041Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cancers linked with HPV each year.Gallagher TJ, Chwa J, Lin ME, Kokot NC.Factors associated with HPV vaccination among middle-aged adults in the United States.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024;171(6):1780-1791. doi:10.1002/ohn.952Keck Medicine of USC.Americans are uninformed about and undervaccinated for HPV.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination recommendations.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ACIP shared clinical decision-making recommendations.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.Introduction to the HPV Vaccines Work Group.

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ayo‐Ajibola OO, Koh M, Julien C, et al.Temporal trends in knowledge of human papillomavirus and associated oropharyngeal cancer following expanded vaccination eligibility.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online November 4, 2024. doi:10.1002/ohn.1041Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cancers linked with HPV each year.Gallagher TJ, Chwa J, Lin ME, Kokot NC.Factors associated with HPV vaccination among middle-aged adults in the United States.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024;171(6):1780-1791. doi:10.1002/ohn.952Keck Medicine of USC.Americans are uninformed about and undervaccinated for HPV.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination recommendations.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ACIP shared clinical decision-making recommendations.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.Introduction to the HPV Vaccines Work Group.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Ayo‐Ajibola OO, Koh M, Julien C, et al.Temporal trends in knowledge of human papillomavirus and associated oropharyngeal cancer following expanded vaccination eligibility.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online November 4, 2024. doi:10.1002/ohn.1041Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cancers linked with HPV each year.Gallagher TJ, Chwa J, Lin ME, Kokot NC.Factors associated with HPV vaccination among middle-aged adults in the United States.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024;171(6):1780-1791. doi:10.1002/ohn.952Keck Medicine of USC.Americans are uninformed about and undervaccinated for HPV.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination recommendations.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ACIP shared clinical decision-making recommendations.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.Introduction to the HPV Vaccines Work Group.

Ayo‐Ajibola OO, Koh M, Julien C, et al.Temporal trends in knowledge of human papillomavirus and associated oropharyngeal cancer following expanded vaccination eligibility.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online November 4, 2024. doi:10.1002/ohn.1041

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cancers linked with HPV each year.

Gallagher TJ, Chwa J, Lin ME, Kokot NC.Factors associated with HPV vaccination among middle-aged adults in the United States.Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024;171(6):1780-1791. doi:10.1002/ohn.952

Keck Medicine of USC.Americans are uninformed about and undervaccinated for HPV.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV vaccination recommendations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ACIP shared clinical decision-making recommendations.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.Introduction to the HPV Vaccines Work Group.

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit

What is your feedback?