HPV & Throat Cancer

HPV is most commonly associated with infections in the genital area. However, it can also infect the mouth and throat. While most types of HPV cause no symptoms, some high-risk types are known to cause certain kinds of cancer, including oropharyngeal cancer or “throat cancer.” The prevalence of oropharyngeal cancer has increased dramatically in recent decades. Learn more about how to protect yourself against this type of HPV-associated cancer.

What Types of HPV Cause Cancer?

Most people with HPV infections of the mouth and throat do not develop cancer. There are more than 100 types of HPV, each of which is labeled with a number. HPV-16 is a high-risk type of the virus that is linked to oropharyngeal cancer. HPV infections of the mouth and are typically spread during oral sex. Some studies suggest that it could also be spread during deep, open-mouthed kissing, but this is very rare.

The CDC reports that about 3,400 women and 14,800 men are diagnosed with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer each year in the United States. Overall, about 70% of cancers of the oropharynx are believed to be caused by HPV. Visit for more info: https://hpvhub.com/hpv-throat-cancer/

A Guide to HPV Co-Testing

One of the most common ways to check for HPV is co-testing. This routine screening is recommended for many adult women. Learn more about how co-testing works and when you should receive this important HPV test.
What is Co-Testing?

Co-testing involves two routine screenings which are performed at the same time:

• A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear), which is a screening for abnormal cervical cells. 
• An HPV test, which checks for DNA from HPV in cervical cells.
  

Doctors are able to use the same cell sample for both tests, which saves time and helps to ensure that women get the proper health screenings to prevent cervical cancer. Visit for more info: https://hpvhub.com/a-guide-to-hpv-co-testing/

HPV Vaccine Schedule

Ideally, vaccines for HPV should be administered before a child reaches their teen years. Some people are surprised by the recommended age for HPV vaccination, but it’s most effective when given at an early age. Teens and adults can also receive the vaccine, but they need more doses and it may not be as effective when administered later in life.

Recommended HPV Shot Schedule

The CDC recommends that children should get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. The vaccine for kids this age includes two shots, with the second shot given six to 12 months after the first shot. If two shots are administered less than five months apart, a third dose of the vaccine is required at least four months after receiving the second shot. Although there is no male HPV test available yet, it’s recommended to get the HPV shot for girls and boys alike.

Teens can still get the HPV vaccine if they didn’t receive it at the recommended age. Children ages 15 and up need to receive three doses of the vaccine. The second shot should be administered two months after the first shot, and the third shot should be administered six months after the first shot. Visit for more info: https://hpvhub.com/hpv-vaccine-schedule/

HPV Vaccine Myths & Facts

Have some questions about the HPV vaccine? This list of myths and facts will help clear up any misconceptions you might have about the HPV shot.

Myth: There Can Be Serious HPV Vaccine Side Effects.

Fact: HPV vaccine safety studies have found no serious side effects related to this vaccination.

The most common side effects experienced after getting the HPV vaccine are very minor, including brief soreness or redness at the injection site. As of March 2014, more than 60 million doses of the HPV had been distributed in the U.S. with no serious HPV vaccine dangers detected. There have been zero HPV vaccine deaths.

The only serious HPV vaccine risk is an allergic reaction. The HPV vaccine isn’t recommended for anyone who has a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, so be sure to tell your doctor about any serious allergies you have (including yeast allergies) before getting vaccinated. Visit for more info: https://hpvhub.com/hpv-vaccine-myths-facts/

Am I Too Old to Get the HPV Vaccine?

When it comes to the HPV vaccine, adults often assume they aren’t eligible to get immunized. However, it’s actually possible to receive the HPV vaccine through age 45. While it may help to prevent HPV infection, you shouldn’t expect the same level of protection if you receive the HPV shot as an adult.

HPV Vaccine Age Limit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the HPV vaccine for men through age 21 and women through age 26. The CDC also recommends the HPV shot for unvaccinated individuals who fall into one of the following categories:

• Young men who have sex with men through age 26 (including young men who identify as gay or bisexual) 
• Young adults who are transgender through age 26
  
• Young adults with certain immunocompromising conditions (such as HIV) through age 26
  

If you’ve passed these age limits, you might be wondering if it is too late to get the HPV vaccine. According to FDA guidelines updated in October 2018, the HPV shot for men and women may be administered up to age 45. This applies specifically to Gardasil 9, which is the only HPV vaccine available for use in the United States.

Visit for more info: https://hpvhub.com/am-i-too-old-to-get-the-hpv-vaccine/