HPV may be cause of vocal cord cancers in the young

A new study conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston purports that a recent increase in vocal cord cancers among the young under 30 years of age ay the result of human papilloma virus (HPV).  According to study senior author Dr. Steven Zeitels, nearly 50% of vocal cord (glottic) cancer patients diagnosed today are nonsmokers under 40 years old.  Further, while only 11 of the 241 patients studied from 2004-2018 were under 30 years old, 90% (10) had high-risk strains of HPV.  While the study does not offer definitive proof that HPV caused vocal cord cancer, Zeitels stated that "large-scale studies are now needed to determine the pace of the increase in glottic cancer among nonsmokers, the incidence of high-risk HPV in these cancers, and changes in the age and genders of those affected."


To read more about this study, click here   

Aspirin can help prevent colon cancer, however many patients do not take it

Despite the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommending that "health care providers prescribe low-dose aspirin with advance (colon) polyps", a recent study conducted at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine in Boca Raton found that only 43% of patients actually took aspirin.  According to study co-author Dr. Lawrence Fiedler, 90% of colon cancer patients are 50 years of age or older, with lifestyle changes and risk factors similar to heart attacks, stroke, obesity, and physical inactivity.


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Curbing immune checkpoint protein production slows liver cancer in mice

In a NCI-funded study, Researchers have found an unconventional way to unleash the immune system against liver cancer in mice. Rather than directly blocking the activity of an immune checkpoint protein that shields tumors from the immune system, the researchers used an investigational drug to curb production of the protein.

To read more about this study, click here.

World Health Organization: action for protection against cervical cancer

On World Cancer Day, WHO/Europe aims to raise awareness that timely vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) in combination with regular screening for cervical cancer is the best way to protect girls’ futures from this tragic disease.

To read more, click here.