HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer
You have probably heard that HPV can cause cervical cancer. But did you know that it can also cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, and throat?
Actress Marcia Cross Discusses Her Anal Cancer Diagnosis
Hoping to lessen stigma and spur conversations between patients and health care professionals, Desperate Housewives actor Marcia Cross recently told CBS This Morning she was diagnosed with anal cancer about a year and a half ago.
“High risk” types of HPV are associated with a number of cancers beyond cervical and include cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, and throat. During the interview Ms. Cross revealed her husband battled throat cancer several years ago and her doctor believes their diagnoses are likely related.
When asked in the CBS This Morning interview why she’s speaking out she said “I know that there are people that are ashamed. You have cancer! Do you then have also to feel ashamed like you did something bad, you know, because it took up residence in your anus? Come on, really, there’s enough on your plate.”
Beyond addressing the shame and reluctance that keeps us from talking about anal diseases, Cross said she’s speaking out to encourage parents to have their kids vaccinated against HPV. As for her own daughters she says “My girls don’t know it but they’re up for their first shot at the end of the school year!”
Resources and Related Pages
- Anal Cancer Foundation
Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - What Is Anal Cancer?
From the American Cancer Society - HPV and Anal Cancer
From the National LGBT Cancer Network - Study Reveals HPV Vaccine Impact on Anal Cancer
Evidence that HPV vaccination is reducing the incidence of anal cancer among young adults in the US. - The ANCHOR Study
This landmark study showed that treatment can prevent anal cancer.
More to explore
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—Understanding this Common Infection
There are over 100 different types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and other types can cause cancer, including cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis or anus, as well as cancer in the back of the throat.
Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Haven’t Rebounded After the Pandemic
The pandemic interrupted our regularly scheduled doctor’s visits and pushed off preventative care like Pap tests.
New Study Shows a Dramatic Drop in Cervical Pre-Cancers
A new study has found a dramatic drop in the rates of cervical pre-cancers among young adult women. This is great news and further proof that the HPV vaccine is working.
The HPV Vaccine Prevents Cancer
In the U.S., HPV infections are estimated to cause about 37,300 cases of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of these cancers from ever developing.
What You Need to Know About the HPV Self-Collection Test
There’s a new way to screen for cervical cancer. With self-collection, you can take a sample of cells from your vagina. You still have to go to your provider’s office, but there’s no pelvic exam, stirrups, or speculum involved.