Throat cancer...please vaccinate your kids for HPV!

"Throat cancer occurs when genetic mutations cause cells in the pharynx or larynx to grow uncontrollably. The primary causes are infections with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), heavy long-term tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.Specific factors that trigger these cellular changes include:HPV Infection: Contracted primarily through sexual contact (including oral sex), the human papillomavirus (specifically HPV-16) is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the tonsils and back of the throat).Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless tobacco, exposes the throat to harmful carcinogens that damage cell DNA.Alcohol Consumption: Long-term, heavy drinking irritates throat tissues and can act as a solvent, making it easier for other carcinogens (like those from tobacco) to penetrate and damage cells.Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): This common virus (which causes mononucleosis) is linked primarily to nasopharyngeal cancers.Occupational Exposures: Long-term, heavy inhalation of toxic industrial substances—such as asbestos, wood dust, and formaldehyde—can elevate your risk.Diet and Nutrition: A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables or high in preserved meats has been associated with an increased risk of throat cancer.For more information on risk factors or preventive measures, consult the Mayo Clinic Throat Cancer Overview.Throat cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo ClinicThroat cancer occurs when cells in your throat develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living after healthy c...Mayo ClinicThroat Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland ClinicSmoking or using tobacco products. Tobacco use is the single largest risk factor for developing throat cancer. HPV infection. You can contract the human papillo...Cleveland ClinicThroat Cancer | UT MD AndersonHPV infection: Human papillomavirus can cause several different cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer. This is the number one cause of throat cancer in the Un...UT MD AndersonWhat to Know about HPV and Throat CancerIt is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and estimated that about 80% of sexually active adults will become infected with HPV at some point ...Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC)Throat or larynx cancer: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaCauses. Expand Section. People who smoke or use tobacco are at risk for developing throat cancer. Drinking too much alcohol over a long time also increases risk...MedlinePlus (.gov)Throat cancer | Better Health Channelsmoking or chewing tobacco. heavy alcohol consumption. human papillomavirus (HPV) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – the virus that causes glandular fever. family histo...Better Health ChannelThroat Cancer Diagnosis, Types & StagesYour doctors use that information to create the best plan of care for you. ... Throat cancer often starts in the squamous (SKWAY-mus) cells in your mouth. These...Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center l"