What is the most viral thing that most people don’t know about?
HPV! This is human papillomavirus, the most common sexually transmitted virus that causes cancer. More than 100 types of HPV have been found so far.
HPV infections can lead to 5 different cancers besides cervical. Men don't need to worry about HPV, right? Wrong. HPV now causes more than 70 % of oropharyngeal cancer (SCC, or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma). And HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are three times more common in men than in women.
Now cervical cancer dropped from being the top HPV-associated cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer increases, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are the largest group of those cancers which fall into the head and neck cancer category. Common names for it include such things as tongue cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, and tonsil cancer. Approximately 53,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2019.
The HPV has been found to cause a majority of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the United States. This is the reason why it is so important to get vaccinated against HPV!
Prevention
· Use condoms. Using condoms every time you have sex is an effective way to reduce your risk for HPV. But be aware – since HPV can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact, it can infect areas not covered by a condom.
· Get vaccinated. HPV-vaccine can prevent over 90% of HPV-related cancers. Recommended up to age 45 for male and female.
GARDASIL is the FDA-approved HPV vaccine that protects from papillomavirus strains 16 and 18, which are most likely to cause cancer, and 5 additional strains linked with cancer. The HPV-vaccine has proven safe and effective.
Getting the HPV vaccine could save from:
· Oropharyngeal cancer
· Cervical cancer
· Anal cancer
· Vaginal cancer
· Vulvar cancer
· Penile cancer
This is cancer that can be prevented.
Do not delay and get vaccinated, schedule your appointment today online or call our office at (978) 594-8980!
Our working hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm.
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