Strengthening Prevention and Awareness of HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancers Through Partnership with Regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

This commentary highlights community priorities from a longitudinal cohort study addressing human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer prevention and awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in South Australia. Spanning eight years, the project aims to explore the prevalence, incidence and persistence of human papillomavirus, with future research directions strengthened by longstanding partnership and input between researchers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. Through reflections from this partnership, we highlight the current state of human papillomavirus and cancer awareness in communities including: (i) community access to dental care and mouth cancer screening; (ii) sexual health awareness, knowledge, and education; and (iii) community awareness around cancer. We state key priorities to be actioned in the next phase of this research including: (i) incorporating culturally safe education and awareness alongside identifying high-risk human papillomavirus prevalence; (ii) community outreach and engagement activities; and (iii) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce training, education and empowerment. Embedding these priorities are essential to advancing equitable oral cancer prevention and ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are not overlooked in existing health promotion efforts.