ATLANTA - The sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer in women is poised to become one of the leading causes of oral cancer in
men, according to a new study.
The HPV virus now causes as many cancers of the upper throat as tobacco and alcohol, probably due both to an increase in oral sex and the decline in
smoking, researchers say.
The only available vaccine against HPV, made by Merck & Co., is currently given only to girls and young women. But Merck plans this year to ask
government permission to offer the shot to boys.
Another case where the drug makers want to force people to get their product. Last I heard there was no scientific link between the HPV virus and
cervical cancer.
