Beyond Women's Health: Long-Term Human Papillomavirus–Related Cancer Trends in Norway - Summary - MDSpire

Beyond Women's Health: Long-Term Human Papillomavirus–Related Cancer Trends in Norway

  • By

  • Thea E Hetland Falkenthal

  • Ståle Nygård

  • Mari Nygård

  • July 9, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate trends in HPV-attributable cancers in men and women in Norway over the last 33 years, including the introduction of HPV vaccines, to inform future prevention strategies.

Key Findings:
  • HPV-attributable cancer incidence among men is rising, particularly for oropharyngeal SCC (annual percentage change [APC] 4.5).
  • Overall incidence of HPV-attributable cancers not prevented by screening increased (APC 2.8), surpassing cervical cancer incidence.
  • Cervical SCC incidence rates decreased by 6% annually from 2018 to 2023.
  • The burden of HPV-related cancers beyond cervical cancer is increasing in Norway.
Interpretation:

While cervical cancer incidence is declining due to screening and vaccination, other HPV-related cancers are on the rise, indicating a need for enhanced preventive measures, particularly for non-cervical cancers.

Limitations:
  • No early detection programs for non-cervical HPV-related cancers in Norway, which may hinder timely intervention.
  • Variability in HPV-attributable fractions across different cancer types and regions, complicating the assessment of overall burden.
Conclusion:

Addressing the increasing burden of HPV-attributable cancers, especially non-cervical types, requires additional preventive measures beyond cervical cancer screening.

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