It's likely you are intimate with others…. and who isn't?
HPV- short for the Human Papilloma Virus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. That's because it can be passed through sexual contact, oral sex, and even passionate kissing. Just skin-to-skin contact will transfer most versions. The CDC estimates that 80% of Americans will have some form of HPV in their lifetime. 80%!!!
The bad news. Most versions of HPV are benign, (there are about 130 versions) but a few of them can cause cancer. The one that most people are aware of is cervical cancer. But it has been recently established that Oral Cancer can develop from a persistent HPV16 infection as well. There is no way to know if you end up with a benign or dangerous version of HPV. Worse, a BIG problem is oral cancers, particularly those started by HPV instead of tobacco, many times do not produce visible or painful symptoms in their early stages; you won't even know that you have it.
There's nothing pretty about oral cancer, (you can thank us for not showing you any photos), and it's deadly. A person dies from oral cancer every hour of the day in the US, and 100 new people each day will be diagnosed with it.
But there's good news too. Out of all those versions of HPV, only about 15 are associated with cancers. Only one of those with oral cancer. Luckily for most people, even if you get a dangerous version of it, there is a really good chance your own immune system will fight it off before it causes big problems. But there is no way to know if yours will.
What can you control? You likely are not going to control your exposure to it, since it is so common in our world. There is no way to know if you have an immune system that protects you from it or not, (it's a matter of genetics that you were born with). If yours doesn't, it won't be until it is doing some really bad stuff that it becomes noticeable.
But you CAN get screened for it AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR at your dental office, to catch things at really early stages before they get out of hand. ASK your dentist to screen you on your next visit. Trained professionals, in a simple, inexpensive, painless, 3 to 5 minute exam can check you out. Keep that mouth of yours looking sexy AND HEALTHY. This is the simplest cancer screening you'll ever have… you don't even have to take your clothes off!
So do your mouth a favor and keep that smile looking sexy. Getting screened is safe and smart.
For more info, visit: OCF HPV, HPV video, and the Oral Cancer Foundation
Last but really important - Spread the word. Let your friends know. For most of the public, this information is totally off their radar, AND THEY NEED TO KNOW.