The evidence keeps piling up. HPV infection is linked to oral cancers. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology traced more than 70% of new oral cancer cases to HPV. One particular type of head and neck cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, increased 225% in the years between 1988 and 2004.
Now a new study published online in The Journal of the American Medical Association has discovered at about 7% of us (American adults and teenagers) carry the human papilloma virus in our mouths. This study was the first to assess how prevalent this infection is in the US. The study also looked at how the virus spreads — casual contact and kissing are not likely causes.
A high percentage of our population has been exposed to HPV and most don’t know it because it typically produces no symptoms. The importance of regular screening for oral cancers is a message that needs to get out to the public. When diagnosed early these cancers have a high rate of cure. Unfortunately, most cases are discovered too late.
Because the rates of oral cancers are climbing fastest among young adults it is urgent that adults of all ages be screened for oral cancer on a regular basis. At your next visit please remember to ask us about how we perform oral cancer screening.
Please contact Dr. Beth Snyder in Doylestown, PA at 215-348-9922 today to schedule your next appointment.
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