Awareness of Human Papillomavirus and Its Oncogenic Potential in Head and Neck Cancer among Students: Still More Questions than Answers

Abstract

In the past years, human papilloma virus (HPV) has been proved to be an important risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), especially in the oropharynx (OPCCS). The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about HPV among students and to raise their awareness on the issue. A 22-question questionnaire was uploaded to an online service. Information about the project was sent out to students from three Universities in Lodz, Poland. All data were collected via questionnaire website tools. A total of 1710 students participated in this study. The group was divided into medical (MS) and non-medical (non-MS) students. Merely 59.38% of the non-MS had ever heard about HPV. Only 44.74% of the non-MS knew about vaccines against HPV. The oncogenic potential of HPV was evident for 81.17% of the MS and only 55.92% of the non-MS. Very similar numbers of respondents from both groups (39.21% vs. 36.47%) knew that HPV may cause cancers other than cervical. Nearly half of the respondents from both groups (46.28% vs. 48.32%) did not know about the risk of developing oral or oropharyngeal cancer. The level of knowledge about the consequences of HPV infection in head and neck cancers in young adults remains insufficient.

Lack of knowledge regarding HPV and its relation to oropharyngeal cancer among medical students

“…20,21 As future physicians, medical students must be aware of the association between HPV and cancer (e.g., cervical and oropharyngeal cancer), in addition to the need for improved knowledge about HPV. 22,23 Consequently, this knowledge could result in a significant impact on patients' survival through the detection of the premalignant lesions. Knowledge and awareness about HPV could also motivate the recommendation of HPV vaccination.…”

“…Knowledge and awareness about HPV could also motivate the recommendation of HPV vaccination. 20,22 Currently, HPV vaccination has not been part of the national immunization program in Jordan, similar to a majority of Arab countries. 24,25 In our previous work that involved a survey among dental students at the University of Jordan (UJ), the knowledge and awareness levels regarding various aspects of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer were satisfactory.…”

“…Medical students constitute a significant group to be targeted with focused knowledge on specific subjects, including the screening and identification of HPV‐related premalignant lesions 20,21 . As future physicians, medical students must be aware of the association between HPV and cancer (e.g., cervical and oropharyngeal cancer), in addition to the need for improved knowledge about HPV 22,23 . Consequently, this knowledge could result in a significant impact on patients' survival through the detection of the premalignant lesions.…”

Natural Compounds for Preventing Ear, Nose, and Throat-Related Oral Infections

“…A dramatic increase in the incidence of HPV-induced carcinoma [ 57 , 62 ] has been reported. This virus causes around 70% of all oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer in the United States, with an increased incidence among men which has more than doubled in the past 20 years [ 63 ].…”

Topical 5% Imiquimod Sequential to Surgery for HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lip

“…SCC is a tumor characterized by an abnormal and quick growth of keratinocytes in the epidermis [3]. Although this kind of tumor is usually associated with ultraviolet light exposure and tobacco and alcohol use, this type of cancer may be linked to a previous human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in up to 25% of cases [4]. Although the oropharyngeal region is usually the most frequently associated with HPV infection, SCC affects other regions, such as the lip and the tongue, have been associated with this viral infection in up to 37% [5].…”