Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common and widespread virus, and about 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it spreads mainly through direct contact, particularly during sexual activities such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are over 200 types of HPV, but some of them can cause serious health problems, like cancer. Most of the time, the body fights off the infection on its own, but if certain types of HPV persist for too long, they can lead to cancer.
HPV can cause several types of cancer, including cancers of the head and neck. These cancers can affect the mouth, throat, voice box, and nose. The most common HPV-related head and neck cancer in the United States is throat cancer, which includes cancers of the tonsils and the base of the tongue. This type of cancer has become more common in recent years, even surpassing cervical cancer in diagnoses, another cancer HPV-linked cancer.
In most cases, HPV doesn’t show any symptoms, so many people don’t even know if they have it. However, if the infection lasts too long, it can cause changes in the cells, which may eventually lead to cancer. Fortunately, there are effective ways to protect yourself from getting HPV and the cancers it can cause.
One of the best ways to prevent HPV is by getting the HPV vaccine. The vaccine helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most of these cancers and has been shown to be highly effective in preventing infection. It’s recommended for children and young adults, especially between 9 and 26. However, people up to age 45 can still get vaccinated, so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re in that age group.
Using protection during sex and limiting the number of sexual partners can also lower your risk of getting HPV. In addition, it’s important to see your doctor regularly for check-ups. Your dentist, for example, can check for signs of head and neck cancer during your routine visits.
If you’re worried about HPV or head and neck cancer, talk to your doctor. At Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Karmanos Cancer Network locations throughout the McLaren Health Care system, specialists are trained to detect and treat cancers, including those linked to HPV. If you need help finding a doctor or have questions about prevention and screenings, Karmanos and McLaren are here to assist you.
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