I am skeptical about the safety and necessity of many vaccines, especially in very young children, but I’d never oppose a vaccination because it removes the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cancer and, thereby, makes sexual activity less dangerous. But that’s the position a lot of conservatives take. They want to be able to scare their daughters out of engaging in sexual activity by telling them that could get human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes genital warts and cancer. The Virginia Senate just had to fight off an effort to kill their (not really) mandatory vaccination program for girls. But I think a lot of men would think twice if they realized that they run a real risk of getting killed by HPV, too.
What’s the leading cause of oral cancer? Smoking? Heavy drinking?
Actually, it’s oral sex.
Scientists say that 64 percent of cancers of the oral cavity, head, and neck in the U.S. are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is commonly spread via oral sex, NPR reported. The more oral sex you have – and the more oral sex partners you have – the greater the risk of developing these potentially deadly cancers.
“An individual who has six or more lifetime partners – on whom they’ve performed oral sex – has an eightfold increase in risk compared to someone who has never performed oral sex, Ohio State University’s Dr. Maura Gillison, said at a recent scientific meeting, according to NPR.
What a great argument against having oral sex!! How can conservatives let such compelling data get destroyed by a successful vaccination program? Yes, unbelievably, this is still a fight in one legislature after another. We’re a nation of idiots. But maybe the news that men can get oral cancer from HPV will convince enough of them to stop trading a bad argument for the lives of their wives, daughters, and sisters.
