Research: The increase in oropharyngeal cancer cases among South Korean men is mostly related to HPV infection

South Korean medical experts have warned that cases of laryngeal cancer related to human papillomavirus (HPV, also known as human papillomavirus) are on a continuous upward trend among South Korean men, highlighting the urgency of enhancing men's awareness of HPV risks and strengthening vaccination.

According to reports from South Korean media, Dr. Park Jun-wook, a head and neck cancer specialist at St. Mary's Hospital in Seoul, pointed out on Tuesday (July 29) that for a long time, the HPV vaccine has been regarded as "exclusive to women" in South Korea. However, recent studies have found that HPV is not only the main cause of cervical cancer but also closely related to oropharyngeal cancer in men (mainly affecting the upper part of the throat). Moreover, the infection is mostly transmitted through oral sex with a virus-carrying partner.

The latest statistics further emphasize the necessity of promoting vaccination among men. Data from the Korea Institute of Health Insurance Review and Evaluation shows that in 2023, the number of cases of genital warts (mainly caused by HPV) among men in their 20s and 30s reached 14,146 and 19,719 respectively, which was 4.4 times that of women during the same period (5,418 and 2,324 respectively).

At the same time, the number of tonsillar cancer cases caused by HPV has also increased rapidly. The Korean Society of Otolaryngology released a report in 2023, indicating that in 2019, 487 men suffered from tonsillar cancer due to HPV, which was 2.6 times that of 2002 (187 people).

Park Jun-wook reminds that the early symptoms of head and neck cancer are usually not obvious and are easily overlooked. If oral ulcers do not heal for a long time or abnormal lumps appear on the neck, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

He emphasized that early detection is the key to improving the survival rate. Data shows that the five-year survival rate for patients in the advanced stage ranges from 50% to 60%, but if diagnosed and treated early, the survival rate can be increased to over 80%.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause various types of cancer, including cervical cancer, laryngeal cancer and genital warts.