Human Papillomavirus and Head and Neck Cancer: Psychosocial Impact in Patients and Knowledge of the Link – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) currently affects approximately 11 200 people in the UK, with an increasing proportion known to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). We undertook a systematic review of studies measuring the psychosocial impact of HPV-related HNC and also studies measuring knowledge about the link between HPV and HNC among different populations. Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus and Web of Science, with reference and forward citation searches also carried out on included studies. Studies were selected if they (i) were original peer-reviewed research (qualitative or quantitative), (ii) mentioned HPV and HNC, (iii) measured an aspect of the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis of HPV-related HNC as the dependent variable and/or (iv) measured knowledge of the association between HPV and HNC. In total, 51 papers met the inclusion criteria; 10 measuring psychosocial aspects and 41 measuring knowledge of the link between HPV and HNC. Quality of life in those with HPV-positive HNC was found to be higher, lower or equivalent to those with HPV-negative HNC. Longitudinal studies found quality of life in patients was at its lowest 2–3 months after diagnosis and some studies found quality of life almost returned to baseline levels after 12 months. Knowledge of the link between HPV and HNC was measured among different populations, with the lowest knowledge in the general population and highest in medical and dental professionals. Due to the limited studies carried out with patients measuring the psychosocial impact of a diagnosis of HPV-positive HNC, future work is needed with the partners of HPV-positive HNC patients and health professionals caring for these patients. The limited knowledge of the association between HPV and HNC among the general population also indicates the need for research to explore the information that these populations are receiving.

Awareness and knowledge of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), HPV‐related cancers, and HPV vaccines in an uninsured adult clinic population

“…Knowledge of the link between HPV and throat cancer was strikingly low, at 11% of the sample. This finding is consistent with a reported range of between 1 and 44% for general (nonmedical or dental professional) population samples in a recent systematic review [32]. Oropharyngeal cancer affects both men and women and is increasing in incidence in several developed countries, including the United States [33][34][35].…”

Investigating the impact of self‐management behaviours on quality of life and fear of recurrence in head and neck cancer survivors: A population‐based survey

“…Our sample also comprised HNC survivors with a wide range of time since the end of their treatment. Emerging research suggests there are core differences between HPV‐ and non‐HPV–related HNC survivors in their QoL; NCRI data relating to HPV was not available to us for HNC cancer survivors at the time of data collection, so we could not explore this. Additionally, 27 consultants (accounting for approximately 10% of HNC survivors meeting our eligibility criteria in Ireland) did not take part in our study.…”

A cross-sectional survey of awareness of human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancers among general practitioners in the UK

“…Forty-one studies were identified which measured knowledge of the link between HPV and HNC, demonstrating the lowest level of knowledge in the general population and highest in medical and dental professionals. 21 However, Signorelli et al showed that only 38% of Italian GPs (n=938) recognised the role of HPV in oral disease and oral cancer and concluded that there is a lack of knowledge on HPV infection and vaccination in Italian GPs. 22 Odone et al explored reasons for non-vaccination against HPV in Italy, 23 providing a useful basis to plan, implement and evaluate targeted educational programmes and training.…”