#98143 06-25-2009 05:09 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | I was very happy to read that the ADA is finally getting around to notifying their members (I am one of them) about the connection between HPV and OC. Something, almost every member of OCF, already knows. It's a step in the right direction and it's long over due. Growing evidence linking oral infection with human papillomavirus as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer prompted the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs to approve a new statement on the topic at its April meeting.
The statement aims to promote awareness of the rising incidence of HPV-associated cancers, particularly in the region of the oropharynx (the middle region of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue).
Although the primary risk factors for oral cavity cancer remain tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection is now associated with more than 7,300 cases of oropharyngeal cancer diagnosed annually in the United States. Surveillance data has shown a steady increase in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers over the past three decades, particularly in white men between 40 to 59 years of age.
"Oral HPV infection is now commonly accepted as an important risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma," said Dr. Mark Lingen, an oral pathologist and council member. "Over the last two decades, the paradigm of the traditional oral cancer patient has been redefined, and dentists should be aware of this new etiology when providing routine oral soft tissue examinations to patients."
The council statement emphasizes that oral HPV infection has emerged as a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers for both men and women, even in the absence of smoking and alcohol consumption. New evidence indicates that the association with oropharyngeal cancer is three times higher for men than women, and a higher lifetime number of sex partners (vaginal and oral) is also associated with increased risk.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"
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 67 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 67 | While I am pleased that the ADA (after 5 years of pushing them) has finally acknowledged what the science clearly has shown, this statement did not occur in a vacuum. Mark Lingen the oral pathologist/researcher who sits on the ADA science council is also a member of the OCF science advisory board, and a personal friend. He has been working with OCF to get the ADA off it's butt for more than two years related to this. The ADA is much like the Queen Mary..... you can't turn it on a dime, and the amount of effort to get it to change direction is significant. I guess the more important point in this, is now that they have finally acknowledged this, will any behaviors in their membership take place? (Please note that my difficulty in working with the dental association/ADA has no reflection on the very enlightened dentist and major contributor to change in dentistry -our own Dr W, OCF friend and member, tireless OC advocate, and one of three dental professional OC survivors in the US) http://oralcancernews.org/wp/2009/06/council-on-scientific-affairs-issues-statement/
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | I have to agree with Brian. The evidence has been out there and they should have issued this statement years ago. Wouldn't have saved my butt and probably won't save anyone from contracting HPV or the OC cancer related to it but perhaps reliable tests may one day emerge that can lead to early detection by front line dentists. Jerry, did I hear Tampa Bay just won the mini World Series? lol
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 | Brian, I know the position that the ADA has taken is not exactly what you would have liked to see after all the efforts and time you spent trying to coax them but, it is a step in the right direction. I hope the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) will consider recognizing publicly that HPV plays a significant role in oral cancer. I guess we can only wait and see. Cheers, Mike
Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | Hey David!! The Phillies are still the World Series Champs!!!! Tampa Bay just got lucky... I'm happy to say, my dentist has always made patients aware of this. He has been by my side every step of my battle. I just held and oral cancer screening at my office with Susan Lauria and he was there to do the screenings. Jerry, you are local to me. I wonder if you would be interested in helping Susan and I with more screenings we want to plan? Sorry to get off the topic..I'm glad to see the ADA is finally recognizing this. Fox Chase Cancer Center is doing a study on the link between HPV and OC currently. I am participating but I have not heard anything yet.
Suzanne
***********
T1 SCC on right side of tongue
Age 31...27 when diagnosed
4 partial glossectomies
No chemo or radiation
Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear
Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011
Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10
It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Suzanne,
I tend to live in the present rather than the PAST. lol
BTW, my remarks about the ADA is certainly not intended to be critical of any front line dentist as I'm sure they are all extremely well taught and care about their profession and their patients, mine included. Often times the Professional Society we belong to are conservative in their approach to anything they put into a statement.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | David, Don't worry about the Phillies. They are out of their slump now and were just giving Tampa Bay a little excitement. (Which they badly need). Go Phillies, we're number 1!!!!! Suzanne, Please let me know when you have some plans. As of today, I am semi-retired and working 2 days per week. I would love to help out. I do have some vacations planned, but I assume that you won't be doing anything during the summer. I have my 4 year plus visit to Fox Chase tomorrow and will ask Dr. Ridge about the HPV study when I'm there. I'm anxious to know about it. 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"
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | Hi all:)
Jerry, I hope all went well with your appointment. Did they tell you about the study? I just had to swish in a cup and fill out a lot of paperwork. I will be interested to see what they say. I much appreciate your offer to help..I will let you know.
David... It seems in the present the Rays are 5 games back and the Phils are 3 games up:)
Suzanne
***********
T1 SCC on right side of tongue
Age 31...27 when diagnosed
4 partial glossectomies
No chemo or radiation
Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear
Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011
Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10
It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Suzanne,
Thanks for asking. The exam went well and I have graduated to once a year. If you know Dr. Ridge, he is always running and was especially rushed for time today. Got very little information from him. Do you have a contact there for the study that I can speak to?
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"
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Suzanne,
That's probably because you guys play in that easy Division. We have both Boston and New York who spend more money than Obama. Wanna trade?
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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