title: Discussing a diagnosis of human papillomavirus oropharyngeal cancer with patients: An exploratory qualitative study of health professionals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) has now been well established. Clinicians' experiences and challenges of talking to patients about HPV have yet to be explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen health professionals caring for patients with oropharyngeal SCC were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants expressed mixed views about explaining the causal role of HPV to their patients. Normalizing HPV and emphasizing the positive prognosis associated with it were regarded as key messages to be communicated. Challenging experiences included managing couples in a consultation and patients' concerns about transmitting HPV to their partners. Some participants described limitations to their HPV knowledge and identified the need for further information and training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identified challenges experienced by health professionals working with patients with oropharyngeal SCC and highlights some key messages to convey to patients. Clinical guidance for health professionals and further information for patients about HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCC are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research United Kingdom Health Behaviour Research Centre, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Rachael H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Dodd
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research United Kingdom Health Behaviour Research Centre, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Laura A V
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Marlow
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Cancer Research United Kingdom Health Behaviour Research Centre, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Waller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000821:virology*; D027383:Papillomaviridae; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
keywords: communication; health professionals; human papillomavirus (HPV); oropharyngeal cancer; qualitative research