5 Key Points that Dental Professionals Need to …...Ask parents if their child has completed the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine series. Let them know that you strongly support

OPC is also known as squamous cell carcinoma of the

pharynx, including the base of the

tongue and tonsils.

The incidence of OPC has overtaken that of

cervical cancer. Be sure to screen your patients

for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

OPC incidence is rapidly increasing. This cancer is hard to detect before

it spreads.

Everyone is at risk for OPC, but middle-aged

white men are at higher risk. Unlike oral cavity cancers, smoking and

drinking are not common risk factors for OPC.

8 out of 10 people will contract the Human

Papillomavirus (HPV) at some point

in their lives and some will develop cancer. Everyone

is at risk.

Although OPC is highly treatable, the treatment

and the side effects are severe.

HPV causes 70% of OPCs in the US. HPV type 16 (which is covered by HPV vaccine) causes 60% of all OPCs.

HPV vaccine safely and effectively prevents

infection by the major cancer-causing

HPV types.

You are the key to cancer prevention.

Recommend the HPV vaccine to boys and girls ages 11 – 12. Every visit on or after the 9th birthday

is an opportunity to recommend the vaccine.

Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPC) and HPV Prevention in Children

5 Key Points that Dental Professionals Need to Know

Dental professionals should recommend the HPV vaccine and refer patients to their pediatrician to get vaccinated.

This factsheet is supported by the Grant or Cooperative Agreement Number, 6 NH23IP000952-04-01, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the of� cial views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.

The recommendations in this publication do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate. This fact sheet has been developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The authors, editors, and contributors are expert authorities in the � eld of pediatrics. No commercial involvement of any kind has been solicited or accepted in the development of the content of this publication.

Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics. You may download or print from our website for personal reference only. To reproduce in any form for commercial purposes, please contact the American Academy of Pediatrics.

tongue and tonsils.

The incidence of OPC

it spreads.

Everyone is at risk for

1 2 3 4 5

HPV vaccine safely and

70%HPVCauses of

OPC

cancer prevention.

For More Information: aap.org/oralhealth • aap.org/hpvtoolkit • email: [email protected]

is at risk.

Although OPC is highly

1OPC is also known as squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.The incidence of OPC has overtaken that of cervical cancer. Pediatric health professionals have a powerful opportunity to tell families about OPC.

23

OPC incidence is rapidly increasing. This cancer is hard to detect before it spreads.Although OPC is not often seen in children, it is important for pediatricians to look in the mouth and understand how the disease can affect children as they grow into adults. Currently, middle-aged white men are at highest risk for OPC.

8 out of 10 people will contract the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives and some will develop cancer. Everyone is at risk.

Although OPC is highly treatable, the treatment and the side effects are severe.

You are the key to cancer prevention.Make a strong recommendation for adolescent vaccines, including HPV, to boys and girls ages 11 - 12. Every visit on or after the 9th birthday is an opportunity to recommend the vaccine.

Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPC) and HPV Prevention in Children

5 Key Points that Pediatricians Need to Know

Pediatric health professionals should talk to families about OPC and strongly recommend the HPV vaccine.




Although OPC is not often seen

pediatricians to look in the mouth and understand how the disease can affect children as they grow into adults.

45

70%HPVCauses of

OPC

cancer. Everyone is at risk.

Although OPC is highly treatable, the treatment and the side effects

adolescent vaccines, including

the 9th birthday is an opportunity

For More Information: aap.org/oralhealth • aap.org/hpvtoolkit • email: [email protected]

HPV causes 70% of OPCs in the US. HPV type 16 (which is covered by HPV vaccine) causes 60% of all OPCs.HPV vaccine safely and effectively prevents infection by the major cancer-causing HPV types.

HPV VACCINE IS IMPORTANTIs my child at risk for HPV?• Almost everyone will be infected at some time in their lives.

Your pediatrician can help protect your child from the cancers caused by the virus by completing the HPV vaccine series before age 13.

Why is HPV vaccination recommended at ages 11 or 12?• The immune system of a young adolescent responds better

than an older adolescent.

Would you give HPV vaccine to your kids?• Protecting children, including my own, from HPV is very

important. This vaccine is able to protect them from HPV-related cancers.

HPV VACCINE IS EFFECTIVEHow do you know if the vaccine works?• Ongoing studies show that HPV vaccination works very well.

Since becoming available in 2006, this vaccine already has decreased HPV infection, genital warts, and precancers of the cervix in young people.

Why do boys need HPV vaccine?• In men, HPV infection can cause cancers of the throat as

well as the penis and anus. By vaccinating your son as recommended, he will be better protected against the HPV types that can cause these diseases.

HPV VACCINE IS SAFEIs HPV vaccination safe? • The HPV vaccine is very safe. More than 80 million doses have

been given in the US and it has been studied for more than ten years by medical and scientifi c experts. This vaccine is able to protect them from HPV-related cancers.

What are the possible vaccine side effects?• HPV vaccine, like any vaccine, can cause injection site pain,

swelling, or redness. Some adolescents may have a headache or even faint after they get shots. Fainting may lead to injury if the child falls, so offi ces typically have patients stay seated for a while after receiving the shot.

Answering Questions About HPV Vaccine: A Guide for Dental Professionals




For More Information: aap.org/oralhealth • aap.org/hpvtoolkitemail: [email protected]

Almost everyone will be infected with HPV at some

point in their lives.

Make a strong recommendation.Ask parents if their child has completed the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine series. Let them know that you strongly support giving the HPV vaccine to children 11 - 12 years of age to protect them from HPV-associated cancers.

Be ready to accurately answer parents’ questions.Usually, letting parents know that HPV causes oropharyngeal cancer (a form of throat cancer) is enough. If a parent needs more information be ready to address their questions and help them understand why you recommend the HPV vaccine. Suggest families contact their pediatrician for more information and access facts about the HPV vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you with the conversation: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html

Below are some things that parents might say and tips on how to respond.

Almost everyone will be

Almost 80%of people in the US are

infected with HPV in their lifetime.

A Guide for Dental Professionals

By ensuring that patients 11 or 12 years old get the HPV vaccine, we can give them a chance at a future free from HPV-associated cancers.

5 Key Points that Dental Professionals Need to …...Ask parents if their child has completed the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine series. Let them know that you strongly support

Documents