A review of the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck on patients and their carers. Patients with HPV-mediated malignancy of the oropharynx present with distinct risk factors and a favourable prognosis compared to patients with HPV-negative disease. Despite the distinct clinical profile of HPV-positive malignancy, clinical recommendations do not account for HPV status. Consequently, patients with HPV-positive disease are receiving highly aggressive and often life-changing anti-cancer treatment despite a favourable prognosis.