title: Sharing a diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck cancer: the emotions, the confusion, and what patients want to know.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oropharyngeal cancers are increasingly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Little is known about the experience of patients receiving this diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured interviews were conducted with ten survivors of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. The interviews were transcribed, and recurring themes were identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physicians were a trusted source of information regarding HPV. Framing the diagnosis in terms of prognosis resonated with patients. The uncertainty about transmission, latency, and communicability colored the dialogue about HPV. Despite some understanding of prevalence and transmission, patients worried about their partner's risk. Patients sought information about HPV on the Internet, but it was not easily navigable. Emotional reactions to the diagnosis remained mostly cancer-centric rather than HPV-centric. A patient-education handout was developed in response to patient questions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Additional educational resources explaining the facts about HPV in HNSCC in a consistent way including content of highest priority to patients may improve understanding of HPV.
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Shrujal S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Baxi
authors.forename: Andrew G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Shuman
authors.forename: Geoffrey W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Corner
authors.forename: Elyse
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shuk
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.forename: Elena B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Elkin
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hay
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Pfister
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003221:Confusion; D004644:Emotions; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017741:Survivors