Although still classed as a ‘rare cancer’, the incidence of cancer of the oropharynx continues to rise thanks largely to the prevalence of HPV-16, says Sydney ENT specialist Dr Julie Crawford.

Speaking on a recent Healthed podcast, Dr Crawford said the increase is in keeping with the natural history of HPV-16 wherein infection following exposure (thought to be through oral sex) can lead to cancerous changes 20 to 30 years later.