Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The types of HPV that cause genital warts are usually spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or possibly oral sex with someone who has this infection.
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
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Dr. Joel Palefsky Answers Our Questions About Anal Cancer
Anal cancer is a rare cancer, but cases have been on the rise in recent years. Dr. Joel Palefsky answers questions on anal cancer screening and the recent ANCHOR trial.
Dr. Michael Moore Answers Our Questions About HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancers
HPV-related throat cancer is now the most common HPV-related cancer in the U.S. Learn more about symptoms, treatment, and prevention from D r. Michael Moore.
Even More Evidence for the Value of Early HPV Vaccination
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