It seems that we are finding out more all the time about the human papillomavirus, HPV. This certainly makes a case for thinking about the vaccination. The numbers are a bit scary with 70% of the population will be infected. Amazing that the research has lead to information that it could 
prevent head and neck cancers. BD
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in Buffalo, New York, are strongly advocating a national discussion about the need to vaccinate both young men and women against HPV 16 to prevent head & neck cancers. The call comes amid growing evidence that certain cancers of the head and neck are strongly linked to HPV 16, a specific strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 70% of Americans, both men and women, will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.
There are more than 100 types of HPV—each identified by number—but only 70 have been described so far, explains Popat. Some HPV viruses, including 16 and 18, are transmitted sexually—not just through sexual intercourse, but through any skin-to-skin contact involving the mouth, vagina, vulva (the external female genitalia), penis, anus, or fingers.
In 2006, the FDA approved the use of Gardasil, a vaccine that protects against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18, for females between the ages of 9 and 26, to help prevent cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina, as well as genital warts.
HPV Linked to Certain Head and Neck Cancers (w/Videos)
Related Reading:
Smells like a scam. Merck are taking a page out of Roche's Swine-Flu-Beatup playbook in order to move Gardasil doses.
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