Ok here's for the statistics and what we currently know about HPV infections. It is thought that most people will clear most HPV infections in about 2 years, HPV-16 infections are thought to take longer for the immune system to deal with.

Currently about 1% of the population infected with the high risk cancer causing forms of HPV will develop a cancer from it, and we don't know why this is. It's assumed that it's in the genetics, could be lifestyle choices, diet, and overall health. There's a lot we don't currently know about this virus, which is why it's a focus of so much research.

So first and foremost relax, stressing causes your body to produce cortisol which is a huge catalyst to your bodies catabolic metabolic pathways and greatly reduces your bodies immune response.

Personally now that you know you have a risk factor for such cancers such as anal, penile, and oral, (if you were female you'd have cervical cancer tacked on to that list) you should focus on your overall health. Nutrition, exercise, rest and relaxation are all proven methods of increasing your bodies natural immune response and reducing your risk of cancers.

So breath, exercise, eat right, have more sex, enjoy life and stop worrying. When you actually get a cancer diagnosis, then worry, however know that HPV related Head and Neck cancers have a higher survival rate due to their favorable response to radiotherapy...which is no picnic, but beats the alternative.

Keep your chin up my friend

Eric


Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.