This op-ed appeared in the Midland Daily News. Read the full story here.
On Aug. 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement that 92% of cancers caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) could be prevented by vaccination. During a four-year period, almost 35,000 cases of HPV-related were reported annually in the U.S. Vaccinations can be given to individuals of various ages, but caution is recommended with older age groups.
What is HPV?
Human papilloma virus (HPV) refers to a large group of related viruses. Each group is classified separately with a number, referred to as a type. More than 100 varieties of HPVs have been identified and there are low risk and high risk HPVs. With low-risk HPVs, warts can appear on men and women in the genital area. These warts rarely cause cancer and are considered low risk.
According to the American Cancer Society, high-risk HPVs cause concern among physicians because of the lingering quality of some infections. Most low-risk HPVs run their course and leave the body but high-risk varieties become chronic and long-lasting. It is these that can eventually cause certain types of cancer.
Cancers related to HPV
The most common HPV-related cancer among women is cervical cancer and among men, cancers of the throat, called oropharyngeal, that may also attack the base of the tongue and tonsils, are the most common. Other cancers related to HPV among women include vulvar cancer and vaginal cancer. In men, additional cancers associated with HPV are penile and anal cancer. While HPV-related cancers of the mouth are generally found in men, they also occur in women.
How HPVs are spread
HPVs are spread through skin to skin contact, with sexual contact being the most frequent cause. Any type of sexual contact may spread the virus, even if warts or no other visible signs appear on the infected partner. While warts sometimes appear, there also may be no symptoms for HPV. That can cause someone to spread the virus without realizing they are transmitting it.
In very rare cases, HPV can be transmitted from a mother to a baby during birth. A condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis may develop that causes warts along the child’s throat and airways.
ACA points out that the virus is not spread through toilet seats, hugging or holding hands, using swimming pools or sharing food or utensils.
Prevention
Vaccinations for pre-teens age 11 and 12 are the most effective preventative methods. Statistics show that only 51% of teens had received the vaccine. Among the teens that had received the vaccine, the percentage was higher among those whose parents had received a recommendation from a physician.
CDC reports that vaccinations may be given at higher ages if individuals did not receive them at when they were eleven or twelve years old. While the recommended highest age is 26, it may be recommended for some adults between 27 and 45 after consultation with a physician. The vaccine is recognized as safe by medical professionals. It is a preventable measure and is not considered effective for an existing HPV.
To learn more about HPV-related cancers and prevention, log on to vascularhealthclinics.org.
Ask Dr. Haqqani
If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Please submit your questions to Dr. Haqqani by e-mail at questions@vascularhealthclinics.org.
Dr. Omar P. Haqqani is the chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland: www.vascularhealthclinics.org