HPV (human papillomavirus) is a viral infection that causes not just cervical cancer, but also most cases of oropharyngeal (mouth/throat) cancer as well. The rate of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer has increased by 225% over the last 20 years. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 59 men and 1 in 139 women will develop oral/throat cancer in their lifetime. While we have screening guidelines for women to test for HPV during their gynecological exams to prevent cervical cancer, there is no standard for screening for oral HPV to prevent oropharyngeal cancer. This dramatic increase in cancer incidence needs to be met with an increase in preventative measures.
How is HPV spread?
HPV is extremely common and about 80% of sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives. HPV can be spread through sexual and oral transmission. It can also be shared through objects that come into contact with an infected area.
How do you prevent HPV?
As HPV is often asymptomatic, many people are unaware that they are carrying it. Barrier methods of contraception are a good option for preventing sexual transmission of the virus. There is also a vaccine available to help prevent many strains of the infection. Most people that contract HPV will be able to clear the infection on their own but those that have a compromised immune system may not be able to. The ability to clear the infection on your own decreases as you age. Staying as healthy as possible will be supportive for the immune system and its ability to fight off all types of infection.
Screening for HPV
Because HPV is so widespread, it may be unavoidable but its consequences don’t have to be. For women, follow your doctor’s recommendations for pap smear and cervical HPV testing. For both men and women, consider screening for oral HPV, especially if you have/had a partner that has tested positive for HPV in the past. Boise Natural Health Clinic now offers oral HPV testing for $50. Early detection and treatment of HPV can often prevent the progression to cancers.
If you’re interested in learning more about oral HPV testing or need to schedule your annual women’s exam, give us a call today! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788034/