The HPV or human papilloma virus causes genital warts and is responsible for cervical cancer. There is now a vaccine that can prevent this sexually transmitted infection and protect women from this malignancy.
A new study conducted by investigators at Ohio State University suggests that there is an increase in throat and mouth cancer caused by HPV. The researchers suspect that this rise is related to changes in sexual activity. In particular, oral sex may introduce the virus into the mouth and throat. For years, most mouth cancers in men were traced to tobacco use. Now, HPV appears to be a more common contributor. The scientists recommend that manufacturers of the HPV vaccines test them against oral and throat cancer. If the shots are effective in protecting against these cancers, perhaps all youngsters, not just girls, should be offered the opportunity of vaccination.
[Journal of Clinical Oncology, online October 3, 2011]
The People's Perspective on Medicine