Veterans and Service Members Face Higher Risk of HPV-Related Throat Cancer

By Pamela Tom | HPVANDME Founder

 

Honoring Veterans and Protecting Their Health

On Veterans Day, we salute the brave men and women who have served our nation, as well as the country’s active duty members of the military. Their assignments often put their lives at risk, but that’s not all that remains concerning. 

A 2023 study published in JAMA found that active-duty military members and veterans are twice as likely as civilians to develop oncogenic HPV infections—the strains that can cause tumors and cancer.  Furthermore, the research found that HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is rising more rapidly among veterans than civilians. 

Why Are Veterans More Vulnerable?

Researchers used data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to study 18- to 26-year-old veterans. They found:

  • Only 30.2% of women and 18.7% of men had received the HPV vaccine.
  • In the general population, 62.4% of women and 37% of men were vaccinated.

This significant gap leaves many veterans unprotected.

“Findings suggest catch-up HPV vaccination campaigns are needed for younger service members and veterans,” the study’s authors noted.

In addition, older veterans who did not have the HPV vaccine available to them may be at risk because HPV cancers can take decades to develop. Currently, nearly half of veterans are 65 years or older.


Legislative Action: The PREVENT HPV Cancers Act

Lawmakers are paying attention. The PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2023 (H.R. 3633)—sponsored by Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL)—aims to create a national HPV vaccination awareness campaign through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bill will be reintroduced soon and seeks bipartisan support. PREVENT stands for Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education and New Treatments for HPV Cancers. 

The bill would require the CDC to carry out a campaign to raise awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination with a particular focus on combatting misinformation and increasing vaccination rates, especially among males. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2028 the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and otherwise extends activities to reduce breast and cervical cancer mortality.

HPVANDME and other HPV advocacy groups support this bill. Watch our video and ask your congressional representative to support this important piece of legislation. 

Together we can increase HPV vaccination rates and reduce HPV-related cancers, including mouth and throat cancer, anal cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and penile cancer.


Call to Action: What Veterans and Families Can Do Now

Get Vaccinated: The HPV vaccine prevents more than 90% of HPV-related cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends it for men and women through age 26, with catch-up vaccination available for those who missed it earlier. The HPV vaccine may also provide benefit for those 27-45 years old. Ask your doctor.

Learn the Early Warning Signs: Early detection is key to successful treatment. HPV-related throat cancer symptoms look like this:

  • Persistent sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Ear pain
  • A lump in the neck or throat

Get Screened for Oral Cancer: Ask your dentist or healthcare provider for an oral cancer screening. It’s quick, painless, and could save your life. Here’s how.


Share Your Story — Inspire Others

If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member who’s been diagnosed with HPV-related throat cancer, your experience can make a difference.

Email: info@hpvandme.org

Your story can raise awareness, inspire vaccination, and help protect others from preventable cancers.


Together, We Can Prevent HPV-Related Cancers

Veterans and service members dedicate their lives to protecting us. Let’s protect them in return—by promoting HPV vaccination, education, and early detection.