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A VACCINE TO PREVENT CANCER The Rise of HPV-
Associated Throat Cancer
and HPV-caused cancers. Parents can help protect their children from HPV and HPV-caused cancers by getting them vaccinated as soon as possible. If the HPV vaccine wasn’t available when you were a teenager, there’s good news: The FDA has approved the use of the vaccine to adults up to the age of 45. Adults should talk to their doctor about the possibility of new HPV infections and the benefits of getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine can’t help you if you’ve already been diagnosed with HPV-associated cancer, which is why you should look into getting the vaccine sooner rather than later. If you’ve been diagnosed with this problem, you can take comfort in the fact that patients with HPV- associated throat cancers tend to respond better to treatment and have higher rates of remission than patients who are diagnosed with throat cancer caused by smoking or drinking. Keep in mind that while the vaccine can help prevent HPV-associated cancers, HPV is not the only cause of cancer. Early diagnosis is key to increased rates of cancer survival, so be sure to maintain regular wellness exams to catch any problems as soon as they appear.
In the past, misinformation about smoking and tobacco use led to high rates of cancer. Throat cancer was especially common. Thankfully, today we see more people quitting smoking and fewer people picking up the habit in the first place. However, throat cancer hasn't been eliminated. Today, human papillomavirus (HPV) is quickly becoming a more common cause of throat cancer than smoking. There are 200 different types of HPV, and it has become the most common sexually transmitted disease. While most types of HPV are harmless and go away on their own, cases of high-risk HPV can lead to cancer, including throat cancer or cervical cancer. Not every case of HPV will become cancer, but as rates of HPV increase, so do rates of HPV-associated cancers. The good news is that we have a vaccine to help prevent these kinds of cancers. Most people who have sex will get HPV, which is why it’s recommended for people to receive the HPV vaccine well before they become sexually active. This vaccine can be administered to children starting at the age of 9. Over a decade of research has proven that the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective method for preventing HPV
HAVE A LAUGH
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Inspired by Food Network
This super easy and fun way to create homemade treats provides your kids with a healthier and more delicious alternative to packaged industrial candy. As a bonus, making it is an awesome Halloween activity for your family to enjoy.
Ingredients
• 1 package melting chocolate • Assorted dried fruit, including apricots and mangoes
Directions
1. In a large saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. 2. Place a large, heatproof mixing bowl on top of saucepan so that no steam can escape. Place melting chocolate in mixing bowl and double boil until melted. 3. Dip half of each piece of fruit in chocolate before transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet to rest. 4. Let cool for 10 minutes until chocolate solidifies. 5. Place in school lunches, serve at parties, and indulge in a few for yourself.
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