Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with six types of cancer in men and women. A vaccine against HPV, preferably administered before initial sexual intercourse, has been proven to be highly effective in preventing these cancers. An effective healthcare provider recommendation has significant influence on HPV vaccine uptake; therefore, it is critical that medical students receive comprehensive training in this area. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of medical students regarding Human Papillomavirus’s (HPV) ways of transmission, risk of cancer development, and vaccination against HPV. This study also investigated factors among medical students that would affect their intention to recommend HPV vaccination to others. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 1061 (678 women and 383 men) medical students who filled in our questionnaire. The medical students were divided into two subgroups: (1) pre-clinical medical students (MS pre-clinical; first-to third-year students; n = 683) and (2) clinical medical students (MS clinical; fourth-to six-year students; n = 378). Results: A total259 (24.41%) of the 1061 medical students were vaccinated against HPV. We found a significant improvement in the general level of knowledge in the later years of education (4–6) compared to the early years of education (1–3). However, it was demonstrated that, despite medical education advancements, there are still significant gaps of knowledge about the relationship between HPV infection and cancers other than cervical cancer, as well as in relation to the routes by which HPV is transmitted. Medical students’ intentions to recommend HPV vaccine to others were related to their own HPV-related knowledge and their own vaccination status. Conclusion: Medical students have gaps of knowledge regarding particular issues and aspects of HPV. It is necessary to further educate medical students in the field of prevention and in the treatment of lesions caused by HPV infection. Medical students’ intention to recommend the HPV vaccine can be improved by including them and members of their families in the HPV vaccination program.

Radiotherapy (RT) for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects vital functions related to the irradiation volume of the head and neck region and, in addition, has a negative impact on social functioning, thereby significantly impairing patients’ quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess changes in the quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer treated with curative RT at 12 months after completion of RT. The aim of this study was to assess the differences between the baseline QoL of patients with early clinical stage HNSCC and at 12 months after curative/radical RT. The prospective clinical study included 92 patients in good general condition (ECOG 0–1 – Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status), without regional or distant metastases, diagnosed with pathomorphologically confirmed early-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with definitive RT. All patients participating in the study signed an informed consent form. QoL was assessed using the standard EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQH&N35 questionnaires. In addition, information on clinical aspects and data relating to socio-demographic factors were obtained from each patient. Statistical analysis was performed using a statistical package (SPSS 17.0). T-test was used for dependent and independent samples. A general linear model was used for repeated measures. Patients’ QoL deteriorated significantly after definitive RT. Worse QoL Core-30 scores in patients 12 months after the end of RT, compared with baseline QoL, before the start of RT, were observed in domains such as physical performance, fulfillment of life roles, cognitive functioning, loss of appetite, fatigue and constipation. For the QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires, patients 12 months after the end of RT reported problems in relation to aspects of life such as senses, mouth opening, dry mouth, thick saliva, pain, and weight loss. RT, even in early clinical stage head and neck cancer, has a negative impact on QoL, despite modern treatment techniques.

Introduction: Persistent infection with oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer in women, penile cancer in men, as well as anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers in both genders. It has been proven that the HPV vaccination, preferably before initiation of sexual life, is highly effective in preventing these cancers. Aim: The study aims to assess the level of knowledge, awareness and attitudes of dentistry students at Poznan University of Medical Science about HPV infection and HPV vaccinations. Material and methods:The self-designed survey contained 32 questions regarding basic demographic data, sexual behaviour data, attitude to vaccines, and knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccinations. The analysed group consisted of 270 students (213 females and 57 males). Results: Among the respondents, 166 (61.48%) were younger dentistry students (1-3 years of study) and 104 (38.52%) were older dentistry students (4-5 years of study). Older students had a significantly higher level of knowledge than younger students (p < 0.0001). Students after sexual intercourse had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared with students before first sexual intercourse (p < 0.0001). Students with a constant sexual partner (64.07%) had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared with students without a constant sexual partner (p < 0.0001). Only 30% (n = 81) of students had been vaccinated against HPV (35.21% of females and 10.53% of males; p < 0.0001). Conclusions:The results demonstrate that awareness and knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccines, and cancers associated with HPV depends, among other things, on the year of study and sexual activity. It is essential to increase the knowledge and awareness of health risks regarding HPV infection from the beginning of studies because dentistry students and dentists should better educate the population about the risks associated with HPV infection.