Years after the Legislature retreated from an effort to require HPV vaccines for middle school girls, one Senate panel has approved a different approach. The measure would require that all students entering the sixth grade receive information about human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts and about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, as well as information about a vaccine that can prevent infection.

Unlike the failed 2007 effort, where conservative organizations successfully lobbied against the proposal
supported heavily by vaccinemaker Merck & Co., there was unanimous support during a committee hearing on Wednesday about the new informational approach.

Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera, assured his colleagues that SB 1116 doesn’t require vaccinations for any students under any circumstances.

“It at least gives them the information that vaccines do currently existing,” he said. “… We know that this vaccination is effective against these HPV types.”

Though the Senate’s Health Regulation Committee approved the measure, it still has two more committee stops and is unlikely to make it to the floor. Meanwhile, the House companion legislation, HB 1051, hasn’t be heard by any of the four committees it was assigned.

This isn’t the only vaccine-related measure the Senate is considering this year. Language requiring meningitis vaccines for seventh graders was inserted into the budget, which the full Senate is expected to vote on during Thursday’s session. However, the House’s budget doesn’t include the same provision.

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Aspirin should be evaluated for its potential to prevent cervical cancer in women infected with H.I.V., say scientists who recently reported a connection between the virus and inflammation of cervical tissue.

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An estimated 7% of American teens and adults carry the human papilloma virus in their mouths, an infection that puts them at heightened risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, researchers say.

Their study, the first to assess the prevalence of oral HPV infection in the U.S. population, may help health experts understand why rates of oropharyngeal cancer — a type of head and neck cancer — have skyrocketed in recent years, increasing 225% between 1988 and 2004.

The findings also indicate that the virus is not likely to spread through kissing or casual contact and that most cases of oral HPV can be traced to oral sex.

“There is a strong association for sexual behavior, and that has important implications for public health officials who teach sexual education,” said Dr. Maura L. Gillison of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, who led the study. The results were published online by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

HPV is best known as the cause of cervical cancer, which kills 4,220 women in the U.S. each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The virus can also cause vulvar, anal, penile and various head and neck cancers. A study published in October in the Journal of Clinical Oncology traced more than 70% of new cases of oral cancers to HPV infection, putting it ahead of tobacco use as the leading cause of such cancers.

If current trends continue, HPV will cause more cases of oral cancers than cervical cancer by 2020, according to the October study.

HPV infection is common — an estimated 80% of Americans have contracted the virus, Gillison said. It usually produces no symptoms and is typically cleared from the body through natural processes.

But persistent infections can cause cancer. Vaccines are now available for children and young adults to prevent cervical and anal cancers caused by the most troublesome HPV strains.

To get a handle on HPV’s role in oral cancers, Gillison and her colleagues analyzed data from 5,579 people ages 14 to 69 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2009 and 2010. The NHANES survey includes a detailed questionnaire and a physical examination; volunteers provided a 30-second oral rinse from which researchers extracted cells to test for HPV infection.

They found that the overall prevalence of oral HPV was 6.9% — far less than the rate of genital HPV infection in reproductive-age women, which can be as high as 42% among women in their 20s, Gillison said.

The infection rate varied substantially among different groups. For instance, 10.1% of men in the study had oral HPV, compared with 3.6% of women. The reason for the difference is unknown but it could have to do with oral sex practices, Gillison said.

Among people who had more than 20 sexual partners, the prevalence of oral HPV was 20%. But the researchers found it in less than 1% of people who said they were virgins and in less than 4% of people who said they had never performed oral sex.

Very little is known about how the virus is transmitted to the oral cavity and triggers the growth of cancer cells. But the findings strongly suggest that oral sex is to blame more than kissing, experts said.

“There is no evidence to suggest casual transmission of oral HPV infection,” said Gypsyamber D’Souza, a cancer prevention expert at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore who was not involved in the new study. But anyone who is sexually active appears to be at risk, she said: “It only takes one partner who has had another (infected) partner.”

The data raise a number of important issues, experts said. For example, while Pap tests can detect HPV infection and precancerous cells in the cervix, there is no such screening test for precancerous cells in the mouth. Researchers also wonder whether the HPV vaccine will protect against oral cancers, a question that could take years to answer.

In the meantime, the new data should give parents more to think about as they consider whether to vaccinate their children — especially their sons, Gillison said. HPV vaccination is recommended for females ages 9 to 26 and males ages 9 to 21.

“Some parents may have felt that the risk of HPV infection wasn’t relevant to them,” she said. “But this study shows 1 in 10 boys has an infection that can lead to a cancer. And HPV-16, which causes most of the cases of cancer, was almost six times more common in the men than in women.”

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From 4 to 5 May 2011 the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh welcomed Professor Ian Frazer, the creator of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer and 2006 Australian of the Year, to Cambodia.

Professor Ian Frazer meets with Kittiprittbandit Dr Bun Rany Hun Sen.

During his visit, his first to Cambodia, Professor Frazer met with the President of the Cambodian Red Cross, Kittiprittbandit Dr Bun Rany Hun Sen.

Professor Frazer and Dr Bun Rany Hun Sen discussed the development of the HPV vaccine and the challenges of tackling cancer in Cambodia. The Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Her Excellency Penny Richards, explained to Dr Bun Rany Hun Sen Australia’s contribution to the health sector in Cambodia through the aid program and scholarships for Cambodian students to undertake study in Australia, including in medicine and science.

As part of Professor Frazer’s visit, the Embassy presented a screening of the Australian documentary Catching Cancer to a group of around 40 medical professionals and representatives of the government and NGOs. The documentary explored possible links between viruses and certain cancers. After the screening Professor Frazer spoke about the discovery of the HPV vaccine and his experience in administering it in developing countries, like Vanuatu. He took a number of questions from members of the audience who were keen to understand more about his work.

In her introductory remarks prior to the screening of Catching Cancer, Ambassador Richards said that “the development of the human papilloma virus vaccine is just one example of Australia’s impressive record of scientific innovation and achievement.  Australian research strengths are particularly apparent in fields such as space science, environmental sciences, clinical medicine, biology, and immunology”.

Many Cambodian students have been able to take advantage of Australia’s expertise in research and innovation by studying at Australian universities.  A number of Cambodians have received Australian Award scholarships to undertake post-graduate study in Australia in the fields of science, medicine or medical research.  In the Cambodian Ministry of Health alone, there are around 40 graduates of Australian institutions.

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Saturday, February 11, 2012

WE ARE delighted to inform our dear readers that we have been getting a lot of texts and calls from different sectors of the community requesting for a certain disease or a problematic medical issue to be discussed in a manner easily understood by Juan and Juana de la Cruz.

A group of teachers, obviously females, has written in asking for some important facts about cancer of the cervix. Just like the genie from the bottle, as a dutiful and obedient servant, “Your voice is my command.”

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Up to 80 percent of women will get HPV or the human papilloma virus – the causative organism for cervical cancer-in their lifetime. Every day, 12 Filipino women die of cervical cancer, with such statistics sadly an understatement, and within 5 years of diagnosis, more than half of the women with cervical cancer would be gone.

Every woman is at risk. Human papilloma virus is easily transmitted. Acquisition may be skin-to-skin genital contact. It must be emphasized that sexual intercourse is not necessary to become infected. Condom usage may not adequately protect individuals from exposure to the HPVirus. Risk of HPV infection persisting increases with age; the older the woman gets, the higher is her risk of persistent HPV infection, one that does not go away on its own. And the sad reality is that because cervical cancer has no specific defining signs and symptoms during the early stage, most women do not know they have it until it’s too late.

There are many types of HPV and approximately 15 types are cancer causing. In the Philippines, the top three HPV types are 16, 18, and 45, with 16 and 18 accounting for more than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases while type 45 is associated with adenocarcinoma, a more aggressive type more difficult to detect and is more common among younger women.

The good thing is there is now a vaccine which can protect women from human papilloma virus. There are three things to count on when it comes to cervical cancer vaccination. Because women are at high risk of getting HPV at any time throughout their active sexual life, the ideal vaccine must provide long-term protection, thus the vaccine should induce antibody levels that remain high throughout the years.

Also check, by discussing with your doctor if the vaccine produces the antibodies where you need it most – at the cervix and most of all, remember that the most worrisome HPV types are the types 16 and 18, so make sure that the vaccine you get has strong protection against these two types.

Cervical cancer is the one of the most-dreaded cancers of women, second only to breast cancer. It is associated although not exclusively, with factors like having early sex, having multiple partners. The issue of having uncircumcised male partners was raised because of the smegma, that odorous whitish cream substance that collects between the head of the penis and the overlying prepuce which is known to be a favorable culture medium for the hum, a papilloma virus. Lest a lot of uncircumcised males shout a violent howl of protest, it must be clarified that it is the basic cleanliness and hygienic practice of the male that matters. Thus, cut or uncut, if the husband is hygienically clean, and we must add, monogamous, then the chances of HPV infection of the wife would be less. By the way gentlemen, don’t rejoice yet. Although the good lord did not give you cervix, HPVirus can also give you infection. Watch out for those genital warts.

Calling all DIABETICS and Patients, there will be a lecture on Diabetes and its Complications February 17, Friday at 1pm at Senior Citizens Center, Salud Mitra, Baguio City. There is also free ECG, sugar, cholesterol and bone-osteoporosis testing, on a first-come, first served basis.

Sun.Star on social media

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SALT LAKE CITY — The controversial human papilloma virus vaccine given to young girls to prevent cervical cancer is now being recommended for young boys.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and The Centers for Disease Control recommends the vaccine for boys to help prevent the sexually transmitted virus. Experts say the vaccine can create HPV antibodies before children reach sexual maturity. They recommend boys start getting the vaccine by the age of 9.

“If you wait until you think they’re sexually active, you may miss the opportunity to protect them,” said Dr. Michael Brady of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Experts are also recommending a Meningitis booster shot for 16 year olds and college students through age 21. Before, children would receive the booster shot as young as 11 years old. But over time, the vaccine weakened, leaving teens vulnerable to the potentially deadly bacteria infection.

Among the HPV vaccine and Meningitis booster, experts are suggesting a T-DAP booster shot for women who are at least 20 weeks pregnant. Nationwide outbreaks of pertussis — whooping cough — led to several newborn deaths in recent years.

The booster shot will boost the body’s defense against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, while also passing along antibodies to the fetus before birth. Doctors recommend anyone who cares for newborns should also receive the vaccine.

Experts, however, recommend consulting with your physician before making any medical decisions.

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Infection Rates Among Men About Three Times Higher Than Among Women, Study Finds

Jan. 26, 2012 — The human papillomavirus (HPV), which is often sexually transmitted, is responsible for a rapidly growing type of oral cancer. And now new research may help explain why men get the cancer more than women do.

In the first study to examine the prevalence of oral HPV infection nationwide, rates of infection among men were about three times higher than among women.

Men are also three times more likely than women to develop head and neck cancers caused by HPV, says oncologist and researcher Maura L. Gillison, MD, PhD, of Ohio State University.

About 7% of U.S. Adults Have Oral HPV Infection

Gillison and colleagues estimate that about 7% of adults in the U.S. are infected with oral HPV and that the most prevalent type of the virus associated with oral infection is HPV-16 — the same sexually transmitted viral strain that causes a significant percentage of cervical cancers.

The study was published online today in the Journal of the American Medical Association to coincide with its presentation at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium in Phoenix, Ariz.

“By 2020, there will be more HPV-positive oral cancers among men than cervical cancers among women in the U.S., and right now we don’t even have a way to screen for them,” Gillison says.

Less than a decade ago, tobacco and alcohol were believed to cause most oropharyngeal cancers — a type of oral cancer that mostly affects the base of the tongue and the back of the mouth, including the tonsils — that mostly strike older men who are heavy smokers and drinkers.

HPV infection is now known to cause a subset of the cancer that is increasingly diagnosed in the United States. The cancer is not closely related to tobacco and alcohol use and is most common among younger, white men.

Oral HPV Often Sexually Transmitted

In an effort to better understand oral HPV infection and how it impacts head and neck cancer risk, Gillison and colleagues analyzed mouth-rinse samples from a group of people between the ages of 14 to 69 who participated in a 2009-2010 national health survey.

Among the major findings:

• 10.1% of the men and 3.6% of the women showed evidence of oral HPV infection.
• Oral infection with HPV-16 was about three times more common in men than in women.
• Oral HPV infection was less common in people with no history of sexual contact.
• People who had the most sexual partners tended to have the highest risk for oral HPV infection.

“Our data provide evidence that oral HPV infection is predominantly sexually transmitted,” the researchers write.

Vaccinating Boys Against HPV

Gillison says the study is an essential first step in developing an effective HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer prevention strategy.

Last October, a federal advisory panel recommended that the HPV vaccine be given to boys beginning at age 11 or 12, but only a very small percentage of boys in the U.S. have gotten the three-dose vaccine series.

In an editorial published with the study, Hans P. Schlecht, MD, writes that the available vaccines have been shown to be highly effective for preventing HPV infection at other sites.

He tells WebMD that while the research proving that vaccination prevents oral HPV infection in humans is lacking, it is reasonable to assume that it does. Both HPV vaccines on the market target HPV-16, the most prevalent type of oral HPV.

Schlecht is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

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P.E.I. is looking into whether it should start offering a vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV) to boys.

The Island already provides the vaccine free of charge to girls in grade six.

The Department of Health and Wellness said this week that rates of sexually transmitted infections are on the rise on P.E.I.

This week the National Advisory Committee on Immunization endorsed the use of the HPV vaccine for males aged nine to 26.

Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s chief health officer told CBC News she was pleased about the recommendation.

She said there is evidence the vaccine can protect males against some forms of cancer and genital warts.

“We are really encouraged to see the NACI statement come out recommending that also boys be vaccinated. So we will be definitely looking at what we are going to do in terms of offering it to boys as well,” Morrison said. “It is a good, safe, effective vaccine.”

Gardasil is the only HPV vaccine indicated and recommended for boys and men in Canada. The HPV vaccine has been controversial since it was recommended for girls five years ago.

Health Canada approved Gardasil to prevent infection caused by human papilloma virus Types six, 11, 16, and 18 and genital warts caused by HPV types six and 11

Only about a third of adolescent girls have been fully vaccinated against the virus.

Morrison said before moving forward, she wants to see if the Canadian Immunization Committee will agree with the recommendation.

She also said the province should come up with the funds to pay for the extra vaccines.

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   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that at least half of all sexually active women in the US will contract HPV at some point in their lives.

   And unless women get regular screenings, the virus – which often has no symptoms – can go unnoticed for years.

About HPV

   HPV is considered by many as the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. More than 20 million Americans have the virus, with another six million contracting it every year, according to the CDC.

papilloma – Yahoo! News Search Results

   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that at least half of all sexually active women in the US will contract HPV at some point in their lives.

   And unless women get regular screenings, the virus – which often has no symptoms – can go unnoticed for years.

About HPV

   HPV is considered by many as the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. More than 20 million Americans have the virus, with another six million contracting it every year, according to the CDC.

papilloma – Yahoo! News Search Results