‘Most people will contract HPV at some point in their lives’: To mark HPV (human papillomavirus) Awareness Day, the Oral Health Foundation outlines the risks and how to protect yourself against it.
Despite being one of the most common viral infections across the globe, misinformation and a lack of awareness continues to put lives at risk, according to the Oral Health Foundation. As a result, the charity is urging the public to take action by increasing their knowledge of the viral infection and understanding how to protect themselves.
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes. There are over 200 types, with some causing harmless warts and others linked to serious health conditions, including cervical, mouth, anal and other cancers. High-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, explains: ‘HPV is incredibly common, and while most infections clear up on their own, persistent high-risk strains can lead to life-threatening diseases.
‘Raising awareness about HPV’s link to mouth cancer is critical in improving early detection and prevention.’
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity, including oral sex. It is so common that most people will contract HPV at some point in their lives without even knowing it. While many infections clear up on their own, persistent HPV infections can lead to long-term health risks.
Experts from the Oral Health Foundation emphasise that education about HPV transmission is essential in dispelling myths and reducing stigma. They encourage open discussions about how the virus spreads and the importance of regular health check-ups.
HPV and oral health
Beyond its well-known link to cervical cancer, HPV is a growing concern in oral health. Mouth cancer (often affecting the back of the throat, base of the tongue and tonsils) has been rising sharply in recent years, with HPV being a leading cause. This highlights the importance of early detection, vaccination and regular dental check-ups as part of overall health monitoring.
‘The rise in HPV-related mouth cancers means that we need to be more vigilant than ever,’ says Carter. ‘Regular dental visits are vital for spotting early signs of abnormalities that may indicate HPV-related cancer. The sooner we detect these changes, the better the chances of successful treatment.’
Prevention: the role of vaccination
The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing infection. It is highly effective in protecting against the most dangerous strains of HPV and is recommended for boys and girls before they become sexually active. In the UK, the HPV vaccine is offered to adolescents aged 12 to 13, but it is also available to adults who may have missed it.
The Oral Health Foundation supports efforts to increase HPV vaccination uptake and is calling for better public awareness campaigns. They stress that vaccination is one of the best defences against HPV-related diseases and encourage people of all ages to check if they are eligible.
Early detection and regular check-ups
While there is no routine HPV screening for oral infections, regular dental check-ups play a key role in early detection. Dentists are trained to spot early signs of abnormalities in the mouth and throat, which can lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
‘Dentists are on the front line of oral cancer detection,’ says Carter. ‘We urge everyone to attend regular check-ups and to seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual in their mouth, such as mouth ulcers that do not heal, lumps, swellings or difficulty swallowing.’
Breaking the stigma and raising awareness
One of the biggest barriers to HPV prevention is the stigma surrounding the virus. HPV is not a reflection of someone’s lifestyle choices – it is an infection that affects nearly everyone at some point. Open conversations, education and widespread vaccination are essential in reducing HPV-related diseases and saving lives.
The Oral Health Foundation is committed to tackling this stigma by providing reliable information and support. Their mission is to empower people with knowledge and encourage positive action to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases.
What can patients do?
- Get vaccinated – if a patient or their child haven’t received the HPV vaccine, they can speak to their GP about getting protected
- Attend regular check-ups – whether it is the dentist, GP or gynaecologist, routine health visits can help detect any early signs of HPV-related conditions
- Talk about it – the more we talk about it, the more we can break the stigma and encourage prevention.
Last year, Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK launched a petition calling for national action to improve HPV vaccine uptake to protect against cancer.
The charity states: ‘HPV-linked cancers in the UK are a growing threat, but we have a major opportunity to prevent them. The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have stated that the HPV vaccine could prevent over 100,000 cancers by 2058.
‘According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK’s HPV vaccine uptake lags shockingly behind other countries – just 56% for girls and 50% for boys, compared to 80% uptake in other countries (eg Denmark). This represents a critical missed opportunity to protect future generations.’
As a result, the charity is calling on the government to:
- Implement a national communications campaign
- Introduce HPV education into the curriculum
- Improve access to the vaccine
- Address health inequalities
- Raise awareness of oral cancer screenings.
Find out more and sign the petition here!
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