The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is an extraordinarily effective measure for preventing HPV and the cancers that are caused by the virus. Since its introduction in 2006, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88 percent among teen girls. Among young adult women, infections have dropped 81 … Read more
Cancer vaccines are a form of immunotherapy aimed at enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, or to protect against certain forms of cancer caused by viruses. Vaccine can help prevent some cancers There are two approved preventive vaccines directed against cancer-causing viruses. Vaccines against cancer-causing or other infectious microbes typically … Read more
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells. It can be spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, and it can be carried by all sexes. There are over 100 different types (or strains) of the virus, which are considered either “low-risk” (because they cause warts) … Read more
Unlike many gynecologic cancers, there is a vaccination and screening test for cervical cancer, an important distinction in preventing and identifying the disease, according to Ursula Matulonis, MD, medical director of Gynecologic Oncology in Dana-Farber’s Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers, and Colleen Feltmate, MD, director of minimally invasive surgery in Gynecologic Oncology at … Read more
Medically reviewed by Charles Thomas, MS, MBA People infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS are more susceptible to certain types of cancer than people who are not infected. In fact, some types of cancers are so common in people with HIV that they are referred to as AIDS-related or AIDS-defining cancers – including … Read more
Head and neck cancers represent a group of cancers that affect the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth. While these diseases only represent almost 3 percent of new cancer cases in the U.S., they affect vital functions, including swallowing and speaking. Cancer of the head and neck region is treatable, especially when detected early. Dana-Farber’s Head and Neck Oncology Program is dedicated … Read more
When it comes to cancer prevention, there is perhaps no greater success story than human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. They can help prevent 90 percent of cancers that are caused by HPV. Since their introduction in 2006, the percentage of cervical precancers caused by types of HPV most often linked to cervical cancer has dropped by … Read more