HPV-Oral Cancer Link Spotlights Health Disparities Among Men

An emerging new type of oral cancer in men has increased over the last
15 years.¹ The culprit is human papillomavirus (HPV), and key
social factors are contributing to its growth. April is Oral Cancer
Awareness Month, and with the ongoing rise in cases of throat cancer
linked to HPV,² many medical and dental professionals are
encouraging the public to take measures in an effort to help prevent
this form of cancer.

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Infographic courtesy of AmeriHealth Caritas.

The prevalence of oral HPV in men in the U.S is estimated to be more
than 11 million—much higher than previously believed.³ “While
women often clear HPV and can get regular pap smears to diagnose their
HPV, there is no screening test for men,” said Nathan Fletcher, DDS, a
dental director at AmeriHealth
Caritas who closely studies oral diseases relative to people of
color. “That is one reason the death rate associated with oral and
oropharyngeal cancers for men remains high – these cancers often are
discovered too late.” In the case of HPV-related throat cancer – which
actually surpasses the annual incidence rate for cervical cancer — men
outpace women by 4-1.⁴

HPV is believed to be the cause of 70 percent of throat cancer in the
United States.⁵ Approximately 11,000 people, or 4.8 percent
who contract the disease, will die from it this year.⁶ These
cancers are more likely for some racial and ethnic groups, and are also
impacted by socioeconomic status.⁷

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
five-year survival rate for oral cancer is about 61 percent for whites,
but only 36 percent for African Americans.⁸ “Socio-economic
factors are often connected to poor oral health as they hinder one’s
ability to be able to afford and keep dental insurance, or pay out of
pocket to see their dentist regularly, a critical factor in maintaining
proper oral health,” said Andrea Gelzer, MD, MS, FACP, senior vice
president of Medical Affairs for AmeriHealth Caritas. “Other factors
such as limiting tobacco and alcohol use, maintaining a healthy diet and
making sure to have regular health screenings all may help prevent oral
cancer, or to catch it early enough so that it may be treated.”

“Early detection is critical, said Larry Paul, DDS, vice president
Corporate Dental at AmeriHealth Caritas. “Visiting the dentist for
regular x-rays, exams and cleanings has always been recommended, but
today those visits are crucial for facilitating overall health. It also
speaks to the importance of the integration and collaboration of medical
and dental providers in creating solutions for a serious health problem.”

While not all oral cancers can be prevented, there are ways to reduce
the risk:⁹

1. Avoid human papillomavirus infection.
   HPV is
   strongly associated with oropharyngeal cancers. The risk of getting
   oral cancer from human papillomavirus is increased in those who have
   oral sex and multiple partners. The CDC recommends that all children
   who are 11 or 12 years old should get two shots of HPV vaccine six to
   12 months apart before they become sexually active.¹⁰
2. Limit smoking and drinking.
   Smoking increases the risk of
   getting oral cancer. The longer one uses tobacco, the greater the odds
   are for getting cancer. Smokeless tobacco carries a risk as well.
   Limiting alcohol is also a great way to reduce the risk of getting
   oral cancer.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
   A poor diet has been linked to oral
   cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends a diet that emphasizes
   plant foods, whole grains and more fish, poultry and beans, instead of
   processed and red meats, is best.
4. Be sure to see a dentist and doctor for check ups.
   Maintaining
   regular checkups is one of the best ways to maintain good health.

About AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies
AmeriHealth
Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for
those most in need. Operating in 11 states and the District of Columbia,
AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5 million Medicaid, Medicare and
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its
integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and
specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services.
Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven
organization with more than 35 years of experience serving low-income
and chronically ill populations. AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the
Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

¹ Dermatology Times. “The rise of oral cancer. “Accessed Feb.
22, 2019. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatology/rise-oral-cancer

² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV
Infection – Fact Sheet. Accessed Feb. 6, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm

³ The Oral Cancer Foundation. “Oral Cancer News.” Accessed
Feb. 6, 2019. https://oralcancernews.org/wp/the-rise-of-hpv-related-cancers-in-men/

⁴ Study Finds. “Growing threat to Men? Study Finds 45% Of
Adults Males Infected With HPV.” Accessed March 11, 2019. https://www.studyfinds.org/hpv-cancer-std-men-study

⁵ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HPV and
Oropharyngeal Cancer.” Accessed March 8, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm

⁶ American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Oral Cavity
and Oropharyngeal Cancers.” Accessed Feb. 6, 2019. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

⁷ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Oral Health.”
Accessed Feb. 6, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/oral_health_disparities/index.htm

⁸ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Oral Health.”
Accessed Feb. 6, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/oral_health_disparities/index.htm

⁹ American Cancer Society. “Can Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal
Cancers Be Prevented?” Accessed Feb. 6, 2019. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

¹⁰ CDC. “HPV Vaccines: Vaccinating Your Preteen or Teen.”
Accessed March 25, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html

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