Ruby Mengtian Lu

In recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer incidence in developed countries worldwide. Scientists believe that the trend is likely to continue until 2040 when the effect of gender-neutral vaccine programs can be observed. In the UK, experts predict that nearly 18 billion pounds could be spent on treating HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer in men between 2019 and 2038 counting workforce loss. Furthermore, research revealed that not only the public but also healthcare professionals in the UK feel inadequately informed about HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. Currently, there is no early detection or preventative method for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer apart from vaccination. During the 2021 to 2022 academic year, NHS plans to launch the first nationwide gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme. The current epidemic of HPV oropharyngeal cancer worldwide clearly highlights the need for a public health campaign to raise awareness and encourage vaccination. Therefore, this project explores animation as an innovative educational tool to disseminate information on HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer and the HPV vaccine.