“Study Cites Increase in Cancers from HPV”
New York Times
Letter to the Editor
San Francisco Chronicle
901 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
October 5, 2011
Dear Editor,
The findings reported in the article “Study Cites Increase in Cancers from HPV” raises concerns for the public health community. It shed light on the connection between the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and throat cancer. The increase in throat cancers caused by HPV should be taken into consideration when developing sexual health education curriculum. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 60% of orpharyngeal cancers are attributable to HPV. 1
While coverage for HPV is mandated under President Obama’s Health Care Plan, this finding should also shape health education policy. Young people should be made aware of the importance of getting vaccinated while also understand the risks of oral sex. The article stated there is an increase in oral sex, especially among young people. Therefore sexual health education should respond to this trend and place greater emphasis on demystifying oral sex to prevent an increase in the incidence of throat cancer cases.
Sincerely,
Udani Kadurugamuwa
2540 Regent Street. Berkeley, CA
925.216.5715
1. “Human Pappilomavirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sept. 2011. Web. 5 Oct. 2011
Link to Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/health/research/04hpv.html?ref=health
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ReplyDeleteUdani,
ReplyDeleteI think you offered an insightful criticism of the lack of comprehensive sexual education offered in the United States. Although it is important that mandatory HPV vaccines were included in Obama's healthcare plan, without coinciding education there might be fewer advancements in decreasing the prevalence of HPV. You're right in believing that alongside this increase in oral sex there should be more education about the potential ramifications, including the risk of throat cancer. Overall, there needs to be a comprehensive country-wide policy that sets mandatory regulations as to what needs to be taught to students. This should absolutely include the importance of practicing safe oral sex.
Mattie Boehler-Tatman