"HPV can cause cervical cancer, as well as cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils, though these are not the same strains of the virus. Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. More than half of American men who are having sex will get HPV at some point in their lives." According to the CDC, there is no approved test to check for HPV in the mouth or throat; this is why regular visits to your dentist are critical. A dentist can monitor any changes in your mouth. There are HPV tests that can be used to screen for cervical cancer.

California Newswire, February 10, 2017

Immunization is a key preventive cornerstone of pediatric care but efforts often fall short with adolescents, according to two new clinical reports released by the American Academy of Pediatrics earlier this week. Nationally, adolescent vaccination rates lag well below the targeted threshold of 80% or greater for the HPV and influenza vaccines. Vaccination rates also vary considerably by vaccine and by state. During the 2015-16 influenza season, only 46.8% of adolescents ages 13 through 17 were vaccinated against the flu. And while HPV vaccination rates are improving slowly, only 40% of girls and 22% of boys had completed the then-recommended three-dose series of the HPV vaccine in 2014.

Drug Store News, February 9, 2017

The HPV vaccine, which protects against several strains of the   human papillomavirus , shows potential for preventing new spots of skin cancer from popping up in people who have had skin cancer in the past, a new report of two patients' cases suggests. Previous research has suggested that there's a link between HPV and certain types of skin cancer. However, the study was very small, and more research in larger groups of patients is needed before scientists can determine if the   HPV vaccine   really does reduce skin cancer risk.

Live Science, February 8, 2017

The American Cancer Society endorsed the updated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that support a two-dose schedule for boys and girls who initiate HPV vaccination from 9 to 14 years of age. "In the past several years, studies have shown the vaccine is even more effective than expected,"   Debbie   Saslow, PhD,   senior director of HPV-related and women's cancers for ACS. "This new two-dose regimen is easier to follow, and we now know is very effective in preventing HPV, which is linked to a half dozen types of cancer."

Helio, February 7, 2017

With over 1.2 million individuals living with HIV in the United States, the virus continues to be a major public health concern. For younger individuals (15-24 years of age) who are at increased risk, particularly men who are a part of racial/ethnic minority populations and men who have sex with men (MSM), testing is imperative. Unfortunately, testing rates for these at-risk populations remain low.   Researchers from Johns Hopkins University decided to find out if these rates were low simply because the testing was not accessible to these populations. According to first author Arik Marcell, MD, MPH, "The study demonstrates the need for more transparent cross-collaboration between clinical and nonclinical realms that serve youth. We can do a better job to bridge these historical silos, and, as a result, improve the care youth receive. Having a better understanding of community-based organizations that serve youth can help clinical settings and HIV testing programs improve the access to youth being tested, especially in cities with high rates of HIV, such as Baltimore."

Contagion Live, February 7, 2017

Men: The STD You Have a 75% Chance of Contracting in Your Lifetime

Data published in JAMA Oncology  reveals for the first time just how many U.S. men have HPV right now. According to a nationwide survey of 18- to 59-year-olds, 45 percent of guys currently carry this virus. However, the youngest men - the 18- to 22-year-olds, who likely have less sexual experience and are more apt to have been vaccinated - skew this average way low. Looking at a few of the older groups, HPV rates among 28- to 32-year-olds are an eyebrow-raising 51 percent, while a sky-high 60 percent of 58- and 59-year-olds have the virus.

Men's Journal, February 7, 2017

STD testing rates low in adolescent sexual minority males (registration required)

Low levels of testing were found among sexually experienced adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM), especially those who reported sex without a condom at last intercourse.

Univadis.com, February 6, 2017

Over the past decade, the AAP-recommended immunization schedule for 11- through 18-year-olds has become more complex due to the introduction of vaccines that protect against serious pathogens such as meningococcus, pertussis and human papillomavirus (HPV) and the recommendation for annual vaccination against influenza. The Academy has released two clinical reports to consolidate information on these vaccine-preventable diseases and their consequences, and to support pediatricians in achieving high vaccination rates in their adolescent population.

AAP Gateway, February 6, 2017

The CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), together with the AAFP and other medical professional organizations, have released the 2017 adult and childhood immunization schedules. Changes this year include updated recommendations for a two-dose schedule of nine-valent HPV vaccine (HPV9; Gardasil 9) for patients ages 11-12, a two-dose schedule of meningitis B vaccine (MenB) for adolescents, a clarification regarding recommended adult candidates for hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine and revisions designed to make the adult schedule easier to navigate.

AAFP, February 6, 2017

Although progress has been made, blacks in America are still being hit harder by HIV/AIDS, a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The findings also indicated that many black men may be infected with HIV for years without knowing it. The CDC study found that of more than 12,200 black men and women diagnosed with HIV in 2014, nearly 22 percent had progressed to AIDS by the time they were diagnosed. That means diagnosis and treatment is often coming too late. Moreover, among all black Americans with HIV in 2013, only about 54 percent were receiving continuous medical care. Of those getting care, less than half had effectively suppressed the virus. This is far below the National HIV/AIDS Strategy goals of 90 percent of HIV patients in treatment and 80 percent with undetectable HIV by 2020, the study authors noted.

Health Day, February 3, 2017

The Weekly News Roundup is produced by The Partnership for Male Youth and is released every Monday. 

For more information contact Dennis J. Barbour, JD. News Roundup editor and President/CEO of the Partnership, at [email protected].