HPV and Oral Cancer Facts

At a glance

Review facts and data about HPV and oral cancer in the United States.

Fast facts

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus; nearly 80 million people are currently infected in the United States.1
  • HPV infection can cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancer).2
  • HPV is thought to cause 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States.2
  • HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV from ever developing.3
  • Dental professionals have a vested interest in recommending HPV vaccination to their patients.4
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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; CDC Division of Oral Health
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Accessed February 3, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Accessed February 3, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancers Caused by HPV Are Preventable. Accessed February 3, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/protecting-patients.html
  4. National HPV Vaccination Roundtable. Cancer Prevention Through HPV Vaccination: An Action Guide for Dental Health Care Providers. Accessed February 3, 2022. http://hpvroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DENTAL-Action-Guide-WEB.pdf