Effect of HPV Vaccine on Rate of Cancer-Causing Infections

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, September 23, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There are many health risks related to human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV, however, can also infect the mouth and in certain cases can increase the risk of some head and neck cancers. American Cancer Society estimates that about 70% to 80% of the new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancers may be attributable to HPV.

The HPV vaccine can help prevent many of these cases. Currently, 115 countries have HPV vaccine programs designed to reduce this significant public health threat, and recent research indicates that they're working. The American Dental Society supports the use of this vaccine

Researchers reviewed 65 studies evaluating data from 14 countries and 60 million people over a nearly decade-long period. They found that those with vaccination programs in place had lower rates of HPV infection. The effects were most significant in countries that offered the HPV vaccine to both boys and girls and young women and young men. However, even where males are not vaccinated, boys and young men may benefit thanks to herd immunity.

Currently, the CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination at ages 11 or 12, but it can be offered as early as age 9. Females can be vaccinated up to age 26 and males between 13 and 21 can be vaccinated. Higher risk populations, including transgender people, immunocompromised people, and males who have sex with other males can also continue to be vaccinated until 26 if they have not previously been vaccinated. Ideally, people should be vaccinated before exposure.

Women between 21 and 65 should have cervical cancer screenings every 3 years. There is no standard recommendation for oral cancer screenings. However, San Francisco dentist, Dr. Amini, and associated dentists at CitiDent perform oral cancer screenings as a part of the regular dental checkup for all new and existing recall patients.

"Here in our facility, screenings can be completed in just a few minutes. A special light technology by VisiLite II is used to check for abnormal cells," says Dr. Ben Amini of CitiDent. "Patients who may benefit from further evaluations are then referred to UCSF Oral Medicine Clinic, where a dedicated and specialized team of doctors and technicians can further evaluate the patient."

"This is another benefit of seeing your dentist routinely, so that they can screen you for HPV every time you go in for your check up and teeth cleaning."

"Oral cancer is on the rise and does not have a good prognosis, so the sooner the lesions are detected, the higher the life expectancy can be," says Dr. Ben Amini.

About CitiDent

CitiDent is a multi-specialty dental practice with comprehensive dental care services. They offer the latest dental technology, including digital 3D scanning, same day CAD/CAM restorations as well as laser dentistry and Cone Beam CT, a 3D X-Ray technology . Dr. Amini, the founder of CitiDent, completed his dental training at UCSF. He's currently a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the San Francisco Dental Society, and has a Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, UCSF School of Dentistry.

Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2207722-hpv-vaccine-has-significantly-cut-rates-of-cancer-causing-infections/

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