Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Several types of cancers, responsible for considerable disease and economic burden, are attributable to Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV and related cancers can be prevented through vaccination. This analysis provides estimates of cancer mortality attributable to HPV in a year along with years of life lost (YLL) and years of productive life lost (YPLL) across Europe.
METHODS: A previously published model populated with country-specific mortality data sourced from national registries, national and international databases was utilized to estimate the HPV-related cancer mortality in European countries. The model captured up to 11 types of cancers (oropharynx, oral cavity, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, pharynx, anal, larynx, vulval, vaginal, cervical, and penile). Preventable deaths, YLL, and YPLL were estimated by applying previously published fractions of cancers attributable to HPV. Results were stratified by cancer type, country, and sex. To estimate YPLL, YLL was adjusted with labor-force participation, retirement age and discounted at an annual rate of 3%.
RESULTS: Our analysis included 27 European countries. The model estimated that there were approximately 19,091 cancer deaths attributable to HPV across Europe per year, translating to an average of 52 deaths/day. These deaths resulted in a total of 294,582 YLL and 90,535 YPLL. On average, each death corresponded to a loss of 15 years of life (10 years in males and 17 years in females) with approximately 30% representing YPLL. The highest HPV-related cancer mortality rates were in Bulgaria (11.21/100,000) followed by Romania (10.27/100,000) and Serbia (8.38/100,000) and Latvia (7.37/100,000), primarily driven by female-related cancers.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate a substantial burden of HPV-related cancer mortality and loss of productivity throughout Europe. To effectively reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers, it is essential to maintain a sustained commitment to HPV prevention and disease treatment.