Rise in oral cancer cases connected to HPV

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can lead to a variety of other conditions, such as heart disorders and cancer, making them particularly dangerous infections. Recently, researchers have discovered that there has been a substantial rise in oral cancer that can potentially be linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). 

The study, conducted at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus found that since 1980, more than 70 percent of people diagnosed with oral cancers also had HPV. This is up from only 16 percent 30 years ago, suggested that there has been a dramatic increase in cases of the STD.

"This new understanding will increasingly enable us to improve and better personalize care for patients with each form of [oral cancer]," said senior author Maura Gillison, M.D., Ph.D.

Scientists recognized that these findings will most likely add to the ongoing debate regarding the HPV vaccine. Currently, the talks have been focused around whether young girls should be mandated to receive the medicine, but this study found that men were more affected by cancer caused by HPV, adding a new level to the discussion.