Dr. Christopher Balamucki from the The Cancer Center gave a presentation on Human Papillomavirus during June’s Cancer Connections meeting held at HealthStreet. Barb Thomas, the group coordinator, brings in a speaker each month to discuss various topics including nutrition, physical and emotional therapy, current research and home care.
The presentation, “HPV: Changing The Face of Head and Neck cancer”, provided an understanding of the condition and its impact on head and neck cancer, specifically oropharyngeal cancer.
“Approximately 75-80% of the population is exposed to HPV in their lifetime, and the majority of people (90%) clear the virus within 2 years without ever knowing they were exposed,” Dr. Balamucki said. “For those that develop a dormant infection, the virus puts them at risk for developing a cancer later in life.” Dr. Balamucki suggests parents vaccinate their children at a young age to lower the risk of HPV.
Cancer Connections is a community group open to all cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. It meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12 pm to 1 pm. For more information, please contact Barb Thomas at bnbbarb@aol.com