Logo

    HPV and You

    enJuly 18, 2024
    What is HPV and its significance in health?
    How is HPV transmitted among individuals?
    Which types of cancer are caused by HPV?
    What role does the HPV vaccine play in prevention?
    Why is awareness of HPV important for public health?

    Podcast Summary

    • HPV and CancerHPV, a common sexually transmitted infection, is linked to various types of cancer, including cervical cancer. While most infections are harmless, some can lead to cancer. A vaccine is available to prevent HPV-related cancers.

      Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection, is also the first virus discovered to cause cancer. HPV is not only a common infection but also a significant health concern due to its link to various types of cancer. HPV is specific to humans and is passed on through sexual contact. The most dangerous strain, HPV 16, is ancient and believed to have originated from Neanderthals and Denisovans. While most HPV infections are harmless and the body clears them on its own, some can lead to cancer, especially cervical cancer. Fortunately, there's an effective vaccine available that can prevent HPV-related cancers. It's essential to destigmatize HPV and raise awareness about its prevalence and importance. HPV is a common infection, and understanding its implications can lead to better health outcomes.

    • HPV and Cervical CancerThe discovery of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer in 1983 was a major breakthrough in medical history. HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, is linked to high-risk strains that can lead to cancer, and about 14 million Americans get a new infection each year.

      The discovery of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as a cause of cervical cancer was a groundbreaking moment in medical history. HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, was identified in 1983 by Harald Zerhausen, who later received a Nobel Prize for his work. HPV is a mucosal virus, meaning it infects moist parts of the body, and is linked to high-risk HPV strains that can lead to cancer. Although condoms offer some protection, it's estimated that about 14 million Americans get a new HPV infection each year, and nearly 80 million are currently infected. The sudden surge in HPV infections can be linked to changes in sexual behaviors and mores over the last few decades. HPV is not the only virus that causes cancer; there are over 200 types, but it's one of the few that definitively does. Understanding the role of viruses in diseases, including HPV in cancer, is a growing field of medicine.

    • Podcasts, HealthPodcasts offer a diverse range of stories and information on topics like mystery hunting, personal growth, and health concerns. They provide a platform for honest conversations and self-improvement, while addressing important health issues like HPV infections and their potential risks.

      Podcasts offer a wide range of intriguing stories and important information on various topics, from mystery hunting and daring heists to personal growth and health concerns. In the discussed podcasts, Tom Slick's Mystery Hunter and Snafu, listeners are transported into thrilling adventures and historical events, while Overcomer Podcasts with Jennifer Kolopes provide a platform for honest conversations and self-improvement. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the common HPV infections that can lead to warts and the rare cases of respiratory papillomatosis and high-risk HPV infections that could potentially lead to cancer. Despite the potential embarrassment or health concerns, it's essential to address these issues and seek appropriate treatments. Overall, podcasts provide a valuable source of entertainment, education, and inspiration for listeners.

    • HPV and CancerHPV causes most cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. Types 16 and 18 account for 70% of HPV-related cancers. While cervical cancer is preventable through screening, there's no routine screening for other HPV-related cancers, leading to an increase in oropharyngeal cancer.

      Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant cause of various types of cancer, with over 37,000 cases associated per year in the US alone. HPV is responsible for most cervical cancers, as well as anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV types 16 and 18 are the most common cancer-causing types and account for approximately 70% of HPV-related cancers. Cervical cancer, which is preventable through early detection and treatment, has seen a significant decrease in the US due to robust screening processes. However, there is no routine screening for the other five types of HPV-related cancers, leading to an increase in oropharyngeal cancer as tobacco use decreases and oral sex becomes more prevalent. The HPV vaccine is available to prevent HPV infections and, subsequently, cancers.

    • Oral Pharyngeal Cancer ResearchResearch in oral pharyngeal cancer is gaining importance due to rising cases, especially among baby boomers. The HPV vaccine, developed by Jean Zhao and Ian Frasier, is a crucial tool in preventing high-risk HPV mucosal cancers like oral, anal, vaginal, penile, and cervical cancer.

      The field of oral pharyngeal cancer research is gaining importance as cases continue to rise, especially among baby boomers. Michael Douglas's public admission of his oral cancer being linked to oral sex brought attention to this issue. The researchers and doctors in this field are now working diligently to understand this type of cancer better, as they believed the decrease in tobacco use would make their jobs easier. The discussion also touched upon various podcasts, including Tom Slick, Mystery Hunter, Snafu, and Overcomer Podcasts, and the importance of vaccines, specifically the HPV vaccine, which was developed to combat high-risk HPV mucosal cancers like anal, vaginal, penile, and cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine, which was developed by researchers Jean Zhao and Ian Frasier, was introduced in 2006, and despite initial controversy, it has proven to be an essential tool in preventing these cancers.

    • HPV vaccine benefitsThe HPV vaccine, Gardasil, protects against HPV strains causing cervical cancer and genital warts in women and men. It's most effective when given before sexual activity and also prevents anal cancer in men. Controversial at first, studies show it doesn't increase sexual activity.

      The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, was initially developed for girls and women aged 9-26 to protect against HPV strains 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers and genital warts. However, studies later showed it also protected men against genital warts and anal cancer. The vaccine's effectiveness increased with the release of Gardasil 9 in 2014, which protects against nine HPV strains. The vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity, and its benefits extend beyond just preventing HPV transmission. Despite initial controversy surrounding its release, studies have shown it does not increase sexual activity in vaccinated individuals. The vaccine's benefits extend to men and people who become sexually active later in life, making it an important preventative measure against various types of cancer.

    • HPV vaccine, oral cancerHPV vaccine is effective against oral cancer and important for both boys and girls, but hesitancy and misinformation prevent enough vaccinations, leading to potential future health issues.

      The HPV vaccine is an effective preventative measure against various types of cancer, including cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. This vaccine is important for both boys and girls, as HPV is the cause of 70% of oral cancers. However, despite its proven effectiveness, there is still hesitancy in mandating the HPV vaccine for students in many parts of the US due to misinformation and conspiracy theories. As a result, not enough boys are getting vaccinated, which could lead to a significant number of oropharyngeal cancer cases in the future. The good news is that more and more students are getting vaccinated, especially those from families with higher education levels and more resources. It's important for individuals to educate themselves about HPV and the vaccines available from trusted sources to make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, there are interesting stories and conspiracy theories surrounding popular songs and their origins, such as the Scorpions' "Wind of Change," which some believe was partially written by the CIA as a propaganda tool. While this theory may be debatable, it's a reminder of the power of music and its ability to shape cultural narratives.

    • Horror movie recommendationsThe speaker recommends 'Tom Slick' as a surprising and enjoyable horror movie find, and suggests exploring other podcasts like 'Good Game with Sarah Spain' and 'Tom Slick, Mystery Hunter.' He also mentions the historical significance of the 'Snafu' podcast's season on the FBI break-in.

      The speaker passionately recommends watching the 1970s horror movie "Tom Slick," which he finds to be an enjoyable and surprisingly sophisticated schlocky film, available for free online. He also mentions a few other podcasts and shows to check out, including "Good Game with Sarah Spain" and "Tom Slick, Mystery Hunter." Additionally, he shares a historical anecdote about anti-war activists breaking into the FBI in 1971 and the resulting season of the podcast "Snafu." Overall, the speaker's tone is enthusiastic and encouraging, urging listeners to explore new media and appreciate hidden gems.

    Recent Episodes from Stuff You Should Know

    Selects: The Manson Family Murders Part 1

    Selects: The Manson Family Murders Part 1

    The '60s ended with a lot of turbulence, not the least of which was the Manson Family Murders. What made Charles Manson so alluring to his family? What makes one person kill for another? And what did The Beatles have to do with it all? Learn all this and more in this first part of our two part classic episode.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enAugust 31, 2024

    How Bomb Disposal Works

    How Bomb Disposal Works

    Out of all the jobs a person can have, few are as overtly dangerous as making sure bombs don’t go off and if they do, making sure they’re away from people. Learn how bomb technicians do it safely, without a 100% turnover rate.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enAugust 29, 2024

    True Mysteries of the Internet

    True Mysteries of the Internet

    There is A LOT of made-up stuff on the internet that gets passed off as true. But once in a while something truly odd comes along. Here are three stories of real mysterious events in the internet’s recent history that are yet to be fully explained. 

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stuff You Should Know
    enAugust 20, 2024