Hi Debjoe,

So sorry to read about your double loss to this terrible disease.

When did you ask the doctors about HPV? I wonder how the doctors were able to tell you that your son's and brother's cancers were not HPV+. I doubt that their tumors were tested back in the late 90's and early 2000's. You didn't mention the location of their tumors, however, if the locations weren't in the oropharyngeal area, base of tongue or tonsils, then they were probably HPV-. What were the locations?

Nancy,

The percentages that I use for the breakdown of OC causes are more like 65% - 70% (on the decline) from tobacco use, 20% - 25% (on the rise) from HPV and about 5% from unknown causes.

Maybe Brian will chime in with more accurate numbers.

Jerry

Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"