Hindustan Times: HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer: Symptoms, treatment, prevention tips to be aware of

In a feature published in the Hindustan Times on July 25, 2024, Dr. A. K. Dewan, Director of Surgical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, addresses the rising cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in India. Dr. Dewan observed that while HPV accounts for 22% of these cancers locally compared to 70-80% in Western countries, symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and enlarged neck nodes are managed with treatment options including robotic-assisted and reconstructive surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Although prevention strategies focus on public education and screening, routine HPV vaccination for boys has not yet been recommended in India.