Objective: According to the CDC, HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of HPV-related cancers, including cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. However, the rate of HPV vaccination in eligible adults remains low. We conducted two qualitative studies to gain a better understanding on what cervical and oropharyngeal cancer patients know about the HPV vaccine and how they have approached discussing the vaccine with others. Using data from the two studies, the objective of this analysis is to compare specific perceptions of the HPV vaccine within cervical cancer patients versus oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Methods: Patients with a history of oropharyngeal or cervical cancer were identified through EMRs and invited to participate. In focus group discussions, patients were asked about their knowledge on HPV and its relation to their cancer, their discourses with others about HPV vaccination, and barriers preventing further conversation. After reviewing the interviews, common responses were coded.

Results: The cervical cancer group consisted of 23 participants between August 2016 and March 2017, of which all who answered a demographics questionnaire were white females and had an average age of 49. The oropharyngeal cancer group consisted of 14 participants between April 2024 and June 2024, which consisted of 71% white males, 29% white or black females, and an average age of 60. Most patients in the cervical cancer group had some previous knowledge of HPV, whereas 78% patients in the oropharyngeal cancer group had never heard of HPV until their cancer diagnosis. By the time of interviews, only 42% of the oropharyngeal group knew that HPV could cause cancer. The largest barrier to HPV vaccination discussions was stigma in the cervical cancer group, versus the overwhelming lack of knowledge of HPV and the vaccine endorsed by 71% of the oropharyngeal cancer group. Both groups showed general uncertainty of vaccinations especially since COVID-19 pandemic, although most patients were willing to serve as healthcare educators if it could prevent others from developing cancer.

Conclusion: For patients to become community advocators on the importance of HPV vaccination, barriers such as lack of knowledge and reducing stigma must be addressed, especially among oropharyngeal cancer patients.