Friday, October 28, 2011

Another Blow for the Sexual Revolution? (Part 2 of 2)

HPV Cancer Facts & Sources

In the news articles I found (focused on men and throat cancer caused by HPV):
  • “A vaccine against cancer was the dream of our youth,” Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the department of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. (1) [And we are still dreaming. The HPV vaccine protects against 1/10 (4 of 40) types of HPV known strains.
  • Have a sore throat that lasts longer than two weeks? See a doctor, Chen cautioned:
    "Just because you're not a smoker or drinker doesn't mean you can't get throat cancer." (2)
  • The study, which appears in this week's New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), shows that men and women who reported having six or more oral-sex partners during their lifetime had a nearly ninefold increased risk of developing cancer of the tonsils or at the base of the tongue. (3)
  • Those infected with HPV were also 32 times more likely to develop this type of oral (oropharyngeal) cancer than those who did not have the virus. (3)
  • The [other] two major risk factors [for oropharyngeal cancer]: smoking (3 times greater) or drinking (2.5 times greater) [than the men who neither smoke nor drink]. (3)
  • The throat cancer concern is largest for men under 50 years of age.(4)
  • Cancer of the mouth and oropharynx were largely diagnosed in older men who smoked.
  • In Sweden by the mid 2000s the figure was 90%.(4)
  • Someone infected with HPV 16 - the strain linked to oral cancer- has a 14 fold increase in risk for getting oropharynx cancer.(4)
  • 'The higher the number of partners that you’ve had, the greater the odds that you’d have an oral infection.(4)
  • The American study of 300 people showed that those with more than six partners were almost nine times at greater risk of contracting the disease while those who had already experienced a previous oral HPV infection were 32 times more likely to develop cancer.(4)
  • Johns Hopkins University has revealed that the HPV virus poses a greater risk in contracting cancer than smoking or alcohol.(5)
  • American study of 300 people also found that that those with more than six partners were almost nine times at greater risk of contracting the disease.(5)
  • Researchers said...sex was the main mode of transmission of HPV but could not rule out that it could also be passed through kissing.(5)

From the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
  • Genital human papillomavirus (also called HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it.
  • Each year, about 12,000 women get cervical cancer in the U.S. Almost all of these cancers are HPV-associated
  • 1,500 women and 5,600 men who get HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of throat including base of tongue and tonsils) [Note: Many of these cancers may also be related to tobacco and alcohol use.]
  • Certain populations are at higher risk for some HPV-related health problems. This includes gay and bisexual men, and people with weak immune systems (including those who have HIV/AIDS).
  • People can also lower their chances of getting HPV by being in a faithful relationship with one partner; limiting their number of sex partners; and choosing a partner who has had no or few prior sex partners. But even people with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV. And it may not be possible to determine if a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected. That's why the only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.

My thoughts:
  • This puts a completely new spin on Bill Clinton and Lewinsky-gate.
  • Virgins are back in style. Will we now have a bride-price again?
  • Even people with one lifetime partner can get HPV. HOW?
  • Avoid all sexual activty? As in complete celibacy? And you can't determine if someone is infected?

Pre-colonial times, here we come.

Be sure to see the previous article. What are your thoughts?


Endnotes/Sources:

(1) The New York Times (articles covers several items about this topic & the vaccine & insurance coverage)
(2) TIME (Their opening sentance is stunning!)
(3) CBS News
(4) The Daily Mail
(5) The Daily Mail

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