HPV on the Rise as an Oral Cancer Cause
Human papillomavirus. better known as HPV, is now one of the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US. It is the main cause of genital warts and cervical cancer, as well as, cancer of the throat and penis cancer. A HPV study suggests that giving or receiving oral sex can result in death.
That might be a bit of an extreme statement, but it is, in fact, possible. Oral cancer can be contracted as a result of an encounter with a partner with HPV. The usual suspects for oral cancer is cigarettes, chewing tobacco, alcohol and now HPV. Smoking stats are down, but more people are willing to substitute oral sex for intercourse, which is not the newest trend in sex acts, but is causing the rise in oral cancer.
HPV Oral Cancer Facts
Between 1970 and 2005 HPV accounted for about 23% of oral cancers, but since 2005 it has accounted for 65% to almost 90% of oral cancer cases. Another startling fact about oral cancer, having six or more oral partners triples your risk of contracting oral cancer.
HPV Risks And Prevention
There are several options that you have to prevent or lower your risk of contracting HPV or even preventing it. There is the HPV vaccine which is the only cure for any cancer type. It has been in the news recently and with some controversy about “forcing” young women to be given the shot. Also there has been significant opposition from the health insurance companies against covering the full cost of the shots, which rings in at $360 for the three shots. The HPV vaccine has also be approved for males ages 9 to 26 years old. Giving the shots to men can prevent the spread of HPV to other women, as well as, preventing genital warts.
HPV Education
To educate yourself on, not only for HPV, but all STD’s you need to become more aware of STDs. Try taking a quick ‘IQ’ test, like the one in the previous link, so you know that everyone is at risk of contracting STD’s, and how to protect yourself form contracting STDs. Obviously not having sex isn’t an option for everyone, but some people are under the impression that oral or even anal sex is a way to prevent STDs. Have you gotten, or looked into, the HPV shot? Please share below in the comments.
