Study finds HPV vaccine reduces head and neck cancer risk
A major new study shows the HPV vaccine does more than just prevent cervical cancer: it also cuts the risk of other cancers, like head and neck cancers.
Researchers looked at records from over 1.4 million Americans and found vaccinated people were much less likely to develop these cancers, especially oropharyngeal cancer.
Ages 9-26 vaccination cuts head-neck risk
The biggest benefit was seen in those who got the shot between ages 9 and 26, they had a 68% lower chance of getting head and neck cancers compared to those who weren't vaccinated.
Researchers say protection was statistically significant only for people first vaccinated between ages 9 and 26, suggesting older people may already have been exposed before vaccination.
US teen vaccination rate about 63%
Even with these strong results, only about 63% of US teens were up-to-date with their HPV shots as of 2024, which is way behind countries like Denmark and Spain, which are expected to reach 90% coverage by decade's end.
The HPV vaccine is now widely recommended for everyone starting as early as age 9.