Epidemiology of HPV Related Malignancies

Abstract

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and had been linked to both anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. It causes nearly 100% of cervical cancers and an increasing portion of oropharyngeal cancers. The geographical burden of cervical HPV infection and associated cancers is not uniform and is mainly found in low middle income countries in South America, Africa, and Asia. However, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is rapidly becoming more prevalent in high middle income countries. With the development of vaccines which prevent HPV infection, the World Health Organization has designated the extirpation of HPV and its associated cancers a priority. Countries that have implemented adequate vaccine programs have shown a decrease in HPV prevalence. Understanding the epidemiology of HPV and its associated cancers is fundamental in improving vaccine programs and other health programs.

Figure 1

Age standardized (world) incidence rates (per 100,000) of cancer cases attributable to HPV in 2012, both sexes. Panel (A) Anogenital cancer cases (vulvar, vaginal, anal and penile). Panel (B) Head and neck cancer cases (oropharynx, oral cavity and larynx).From Martel et al. International Journal of Cancer, Volume: 141, Issue: 4, Pages: 664–670, First published: 01 April 2017, DOI: (10.1002/ijc.30716)

Figure 2

Age standardized (world) incidence rates (per 100,000) of cervical cancer cases attributable to HPV in 2012. From Martel et al. International Journal of Cancer, Volume: 141, Issue: 4, Pages: 664–670, First published: 01 April 2017, DOI: (10.1002/ijc.30716)

Figure 3

Percent prevalence of any type HPV grouped by continent. Data extracted from: Tam, S., et al., The epidemiology of oral human papillomavirus infection in healthy populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Oncology, 2018. 82: p. 91–99. Bruni, L., et al., Cervical human papillomavirus prevalence in 5 continents: meta-analysis of 1 million women with normal cytological findings. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2010. 202(12): p. 1789–1799.