There has been an increased amount of reporting lately across a variety of news media from radio to print articles involving HPV. Women are willing to speak up about the virus, the knowledge of which could potentially save tens of thousands of lives if not millions over the long haul. Their knowledge however is sometimes limited and inaccurate.
Educating women to the existence of HPV, its potential ramifications -- including cancer -- and the existence of a vaccination is crucial if the reduction in the cases of HPV-induced cancers is to be achieved.
Since its discovery as the cause of cervical cancer in 1983 with the discovery of HPV16, research has gone on to show the connection between HPV and five additional cancers, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile and head/neck. Most recently has been the connection between HPV and cancers of the tonsil and base of tongue, mainly occurring in males.
This is one more reason why the status change by the FDA from approved in males to recommended in males is so important. Testimony before the FDA indicated that at its current rate, head/neck cancers will exceed cervical cancers.
Susan G. Komen died in 1983 from breast cancer at the age of thirty-three. Her sister promised she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. The Susan G. Komen Organization has now become "the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world."
This organization and the development of the pink ribbon which has become associated as its symbol took not only years to achieve, but also the dedication and commitment of her sister and thousands of others. Only through this same level of commitment and dedication will the fight against HPV (as a cause, just like breast cancer) hope to be able to achieve such heights.
Sources:
"Susan G. Komen for the Cure | About Us | About Us." Susan G. Komen for the Cure. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.
http://ww5.komen.org/aboutus/aboutus.html
"Alexa Ray Joel Shares That She Caught An STD From Her Ex-Boyfriend - Starpulse.com." Entertainment News | Entertainment Photos | Entertainment Video | Starpulse.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2011.
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2011/10/25/alexa_ray_joel_shares_that_she_caught_
"CDC - HPV-Associated Cancers Statistics." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics
Reviewed December 7, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith