Attention. I need your attention. Especially if you are a parent. Children between the ages of 11 and 12 need the human papilloma virus vaccine.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/silent-epidemic-cancer-spreading-among-men-n811466

Who knew? There is an epidemic of head and neck cancer among men. It’s caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and anyone who has been sexually active in his or her lifetime may have it. It is very common.  Some doctors believe HPV is as common as the cold virus. This is the virus that was dormant in Greg for years (no symptoms) and why he grew a tumor on his tonsil that was stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma. There are so many men affected by HPV that is causing throat cancer that it is considered an epidemic.

Please, if you have children, read the articles I’ve included with the links. Ask all the pertinent questions of your child’s doctor and seriously consider this vaccine. I know there are many young parents who won’t have their children vaccinated, but think again. Please. You don’t want this cancer for your son or daughter. It can be prevented with the vaccine. But only if you get it early like they recommend as 11 or 12 year olds. Adults cannot be protected with the vaccine. HPV does not just “go away” either.

The American Cancer Society has a lot of information about it, as well as many other reputable organizations. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing.html

Anyone who has ever had sexual relations, even with only one partner, is at risk for HPV. You owe it to yourself and your family to get educated. Please.

Cancer sucks. The treatments suck.

Educating yourself is painless.

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/questions-answers.html