Inequalities in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)–Associated Cancers: Implications for the Success of HPV Vaccination

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Abstract
In this issue of the Journal, Jemal et al. (1) present trends in cancer incidence and mortality in the United States, with a focus on human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated cancers. The authors show encouraging results, with decreasing trends in overall cancer death rates and stable cancer incidence rates across all racial/ethnic groups. The results are strikingly different for HPV-associated cancers, with increasing incidence of oropharyngeal and anal cancers and inequalities in the burden of cervical and other anogenital cancers across socioeconomic status (SES) and racial/ethnic groups. These results are particularly relevant given the recent implementation of HPV vaccination, which offers tremendous promise of reducing the overall burden of HPV-related diseases and inequalities.

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