I have a 12 year old daughter who has had the first of her HPV immunisations. It has lead me to look at what HPV is, how it is tranmitted and what the consequences of it are especially the links to oral cancer..... and it's frightening. I would love the possibility to be able to research this topic from the point of view of a Dental Professional, A Mum and to get some idea of what young people think about it too.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Maura Gillison at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center furthered the premise that HPV is linked with certain types of oral cancer. In 25% of 253 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers, the tissue taken from tumors was HPV positive and HPV 16 was present in 90% of these positive HPV tissues. This information helps to confirm that there is a strong link between HPV 16 and oral cancer. 25% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are non-smokers while the other 75% of those diagnosed have used tobacco in some form during their lifetimes. The research into the relationship of HPV and oral malignancies may give us clues as to the origin of cancer in those 25% of diagnosed individuals who did not smoke.
I'd appreciate anyone's advice and support.
Cheers,
Ann
I didn't know I had to register first!!