HPV Vaccine is also for Adults - Islands' Sounder
HPV Vaccine is also for Adults - Islands' Sounder |
| HPV Vaccine is also for Adults - Islands' Sounder Posted: 28 Feb 2020 01:30 AM PST Submitted by the Island Reproductive Health Initiative If you were born prior to 1980, you may have missed an important opportunity to receive the first vaccine for Human Papilloma Virus approved by the FDA. That was in 2006, but it only targeted teens aged 11-12 years old as being eligible. Shortly after, the FDA expanded the age range from 9-26 years. In 2018, the FDA expanded the age limit again for HPV vaccine to include adults up to 45 years old. HPV is a common, sexually transmitted infection often acquired soon after sexual debut. There are over 150 strains of the virus, most of which are transient with no symptoms. However, some strains persist, causing genital warts or, decades later, cancer. The Centers for Disease Control estimates there are over 33,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers in the U.S. every year. This includes cervical and vaginal cancers in women, penile cancer in men, and oral and throat cancers in both sexes. HPV cancer symptoms can take years to show up. In women, it may make its first appearance as pre-cancerous cells seen on a routine pap smear. The HPV vaccine is the first vaccine that targets the dangerous, cancer-causing strains of the virus as well as HPV-associated diseases. The vaccination program has resulted in significant declines in rates of HPV infections, anogenital warts and cervical precancers. But what about the women and men who missed the age cut-off for the vaccine? Aren't they still vulnerable? Definitely. Some adults could still be at risk for new HPV infection and would benefit from the vaccine. Therefore, the CDC now recommends "shared decision making" between adults up to age 45 and their clinicians, to discuss the benefits of immunization. Clinicians and patients should be aware that HPV vaccination for adults might not be covered by insurance providers or other payers, and this may affect the decision to vaccinate. What does all this mean? Put simply, if you are an adult less than 46 years old, you're eligible to receive HPV vaccine. If you never received it before, or if you were not fully immunized in your youth, talk to your doctor. Even if you were exposed to HPV in the past, the vaccine may still provide further protection against other strains of the virus in the future. The Island Reproductive Health Initiative encourages all Islanders to be mindful of their reproductive health. See our website at rhiorcas.weebly.com.  |
| Cancer warning: Link between oral sex and increased risk of developing the deadly disease - Express Posted: 29 Feb 2020 08:00 PM PST Practising safe sex is one way to protect your health. Leading dental hygienist, Anna Middleton, has spotted a strong link between a sexual infection and oral cancer. Strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to cancer. The contagious infection can be passed on from oral sex, anal sex, penetrative sex and sharing sex toys. "You may wonder what sex has got to do with a dentist," said Anna, "but there is an increasing amount of evidence showcasing a link between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and oral cancer." With every person who sits in her dental chair, Anna stated she has "a duty of care" for her patients. "I check the face, neck and lymph nodes" for any abnormalities, as well as the "outside of the lips, inside of the lips, cheeks, the top and sides of the tongue, under the tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth and back of the throat," Anna explained. Most definitely thorough in her routine examinations, Anna will flag anything troubling to the patient and other relevant health professionals. "There are stark facts out there about the rise of mouth cancer caused by HPV," Anna continued. READ MORE: Lung cancer symptoms: Look out for this sign when you cough in a tissue
What is HPV?The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses. There are over 100 different strains, with some causing cancer. HPV is passed on from any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, including oral sex. The NHS note HPV has no symptoms, so people may be unaware that they have it. However, HPV is "very common", with most people – men and women – being infected with it at some point in their lifetime. DON'T MISSIt's only the high-risk cancer-causing strains that lead to cells growing uncontrollably to form cancerous tumours. Dental hygienists are trained to identify oral cancer, which can be caused by HPV. In detail, Anna described what she – and other dental hygienists – would be looking for when screening for oral cancer. Patches on the tongue "A white or red patch inside of your mouth or on your tongue could be a potential sign of oral cancer," Anna begun.
"Often painless, they can easily go undetected." Ulcers that don't heal "Ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth," Anna said. "Ulcers caused by mouth cancer tend to appear on or under the tongue, but you can get them in other areas of your mouth." A swelling in your mouth "Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause growths in your mouth," Anna confirmed. "It's not painful, but once discovered, it needs to be treated and removed so it doesn't lead to oral cancer." Pain when swallowing "Pain when swelling can be a symptom of throat, or oral cancer," Anna stated. A lump in your throat Otherwise known as 'globus pharyngeus', it's the feeling when you're unable to remove a lump in your throat, or it feels like something is stuck there but there is no actual obstruction. Anna concluded: "Typically, cancer of the mouth and throat occurs in those who have risk factors such as smoking, alcohol or a history of HPV." Anna has urged people to get regular check-ups with a dental hygienist.  |
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