Last night I completed a seminar on HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). HPV 16 and HPV 18 are sexually transmitted strains of this virus best known for causing cervical cancer, anal cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer, and through oral sex, oral cancer. In fact the amount of oral cancers developing as a result of HPV is quite alarming. Though these cancers react to lower doses of radiation than other forms of oral cancer, they can still have a profound impact on one's life. It is unfortunate that the 20 million Americans that carry HPV, have little or no awareness of it. That is why the disease numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. However, there are two manufacturers that supply a vaccination for HPV 16 and 18. This vaccination should be given to children before they become sexually active, as it shows no known benefit once the person is infected. The vaccination is considered to have the same safety margins as other childhood vaccinations, with a very low risk to reward ratio of side effects. The vaccination is now given to both males and females, since both are at risk for acquiring the disease, so having this discussion with your doctor is very important.