Stuff You Should Know HPV and You
Jul 18, 2024
Dive into the world of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus with the potential for serious health implications. Discover how the HPV vaccine plays a vital role in preventing cervical cancer while dispelling myths around its use. Learn about the distinction between benign genital warts and cancer-causing strains, and the rising incidence of oral cancers linked to HPV. The discussion tackles societal stigma and the importance of awareness and education surrounding sexual health.
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HPV: Common but Concerning
- HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, often benign and cleared by the body.
- However, it's the first virus linked to cancer, making it a serious health concern.
Wart Research
- Scientists confirmed warts' infectious nature in the 19th century through self-infection experiments.
- Later, a 1917 study proved genital warts were a separate entity from other STIs.
HPV and Cancer
- A German paper in 1917 detailed a study where a virgin girl was infected with genital warts, showing that genital warts are not always related to other STIs.
- Harald zur Hausen discovered HPV-16 in cervical cancer biopsies in 1983, earning him a Nobel Prize.