HPV is short for Human Papillomavirus. Never heard of it? Well, you should. The following link gives all the basics:
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/about-cancer/cancer-questions/what-is-the-hpv-virus
If you are a sexually active person there is a 50% chance you've already got it. There are dozens of strains that affect women causing all manner of conditions, but it is most widely known for causing cervical cancer. A recent study in Australia showed that men presenting with throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) nearly all showed that the nuclei of the cancers contained parts of the HPV genome. Facts and figures as follows:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-s...-what-you-need-to-know-about-hpv-2229847.html
This cancer is unusual as it can be spread by kissing, intimate contact and, crucially, cunnilingus. Over 80% of women over 50 have this virus which causes cancer in the soft tissues of the mouth, throat and gullet.
There is a vaccine, given to pubescent girls, but there is, strangely, opposition to this. There are also questions about why are boys not being offered the jab. The debate is going something like this:
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/immunizations/a/0307_hpv_cntvsy.htm
Like most men that have enjoyed a long and healthy sex-life, I'd heard little about HPV. However, my fellow Sciforumers, that's gotta change. Why die of ignorance?
I hope this gives you pause for thought...
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/about-cancer/cancer-questions/what-is-the-hpv-virus
If you are a sexually active person there is a 50% chance you've already got it. There are dozens of strains that affect women causing all manner of conditions, but it is most widely known for causing cervical cancer. A recent study in Australia showed that men presenting with throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) nearly all showed that the nuclei of the cancers contained parts of the HPV genome. Facts and figures as follows:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-s...-what-you-need-to-know-about-hpv-2229847.html
This cancer is unusual as it can be spread by kissing, intimate contact and, crucially, cunnilingus. Over 80% of women over 50 have this virus which causes cancer in the soft tissues of the mouth, throat and gullet.
There is a vaccine, given to pubescent girls, but there is, strangely, opposition to this. There are also questions about why are boys not being offered the jab. The debate is going something like this:
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/immunizations/a/0307_hpv_cntvsy.htm
Like most men that have enjoyed a long and healthy sex-life, I'd heard little about HPV. However, my fellow Sciforumers, that's gotta change. Why die of ignorance?
I hope this gives you pause for thought...