HPV vaccine

teriwtt
Wed, 23 May 2007 22:21:21 +0000

Not to steal the thunder from another CC mom I personally correspond with, but she was kind enough to direct me to this newest research. The article presents some new information regarding multiple oral sex partners, HPV and throat cancer. There is still lots of research to be done, but it seems as if we still don’t know all the potential hazards of contracting HPV.

As parents, it’s awkward enough talking to our kids about sexual intercourse, but now they must be made aware of the risks of oral sex, too. And this will force a new dialogue amongst parents who only teach abstinence, and feel there’s little need to have frank discussions about STDs. Because thanks to Bill Clinton, we all know oral sex is not sexual intercourse (please hear my sarcasm) so it need not be on the list of dangerous activities.

Regarding the above comment about the cervical cancer battle, I totally agree… getting this vaccine should not discourage anyone from regular pap smears. But with this new threat of throat cancer, I can see a new type of screening/testing being just as important in one’s overall health maintenance program. I suspect whatever current recommendations ones health care provider gives, they will be evolving over the next few years based on these new findings.

The article:

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center;