Throat cancer cases in Denmark have increased sevenfold in 40 years

Throat cancer cases in Denmark have increased sevenfold over the past 40 years, according to a new study from Rigshospitalet, making it the fastest-growing cancer in the country. Men are three times more likely to develop the disease, which includes cancers of the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

DR health correspondent Peter Qvortrup Geisling answers key questions about the disease, which in 70% of cases is caused by the sexually transmitted HPV virus.

Oral sex is responsible for the majority of throat cancer cases, Geisling explains. The HPV virus, transmitted sexually, accounts for 70% of cases, while the remaining 30% are linked to tobacco and alcohol use. If there is a small tear in one of the tonsils, the virus can enter and, in some cases, cause the infected cells to become cancerous. Transmission can occur between any gender combinations through oral sex.

Women are exposed to HPV earlier in life, often leading to cellular changes in the cervix or cervical cancer. However, their immune systems typically clear the infection, reducing the risk of throat cancer later in life from the same virus.

Symptoms to watch for include a lump in the neck, which may indicate the cancer has spread to a lymph node, as well as difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, a sensation of a lump in the throat, or unexplained hoarseness.

Not everyone infected with HPV will develop throat cancer. In most cases, the immune system fights off the infection, but sometimes the virus causes a healthy cell to turn cancerous, leading to a tumor.

The HPV vaccine protects against multiple cancers caused by the virus, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. It is estimated to prevent nine out of ten HPV-related cancers. In Denmark, the vaccine is offered free to children at age 12 as part of the national vaccination program. Currently, 82% of girls and 79% of boys are fully vaccinated, but health authorities aim for at least 90% coverage for both genders.

Adults can also receive the vaccine but must pay for it themselves, with each dose costing approximately 1,500 kroner. Multiple doses are required for full vaccination. However, its effectiveness in adults is less certain, as most have likely been exposed to HPV earlier in life. Some experts suggest vaccination may still be beneficial for those aged 18–45 who have not been vaccinated or have changed partners, though the optimal time for vaccination is at age 12.

Throat cancer is not among the most severe forms of the disease. About one in five patients die from it, but early detection significantly improves the chances of a cure. Treatment typically involves radiation therapy or surgery, with chemotherapy sometimes used as well.

The surge in throat cancer cases is attributed to the emergence of the HPV virus 40–50 years ago, combined with more liberal sexual practices that became widespread with the generation of the late 1960s. Although Denmark began HPV vaccination in 2019, it will take 30–40 years for the effects to appear in statistics, as the disease develops slowly. The impact of vaccination is expected to be visible in data around 2040.