HPV, Vaccines and Head and Neck Cancer (w/ Dr. Megan Harrison)
Only medical topics today! Today at the beginning of the episode, Ali asks Asif about the rising rates of head and neck cancer (1:42). Asif explains why smoking-related cancers of the mouth and voice box are declining while HPV-related cancers of the throat—particularly those affecting the tonsils and base of the tongue—are rising, often in younger adults who have never smoked. He discusses what human papillomavirus (HPV) is, why most infections never lead to cancer, and how persistent infections can result in cancer decades later. He also reviews the warning signs that should never be ignored, including persistent mouth sores, neck lumps, difficulty swallowing, and one-sided ear pain, as well as how these cancers are diagnosed and treated by multidisciplinary teams. Finally, he explains why HPV-positive cancers generally have a better prognosis than traditional tobacco-related cancers.
Then the guys speak with adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Megan Harrison about one of the most effective cancer prevention tools available: the HPV vaccine (20:45). Dr. Harrison explains the virus's well-established link to cervical cancer and why vaccination is recommended during the teenage years, long before most people are exposed to HPV. We tackle common questions from parents, including whether vaccination influences sexual behaviour, whether it's ever too late to catch up on missed doses, and whether the vaccine still helps after someone has already been exposed to HPV. We also review the extensive evidence supporting the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, and explore how social media shapes vaccine hesitancy. Finally, Dr. Harrison offers practical advice on involving teenagers in decisions about their own health and vaccination.
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- Rising Incidence of Head and Neck Cancer Drives Treatment Advances: https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2025/october-2025-volume-110-issue-9/rising-incidence-of-head-and-neck-cancer-drives-treatment-advances/
- Head and Neck Cancer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41396597/
- Head and Neck Cancer: https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMra1715715
- Moshe Kasher's Tonsil Cancer Diagnosis: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/entertainment-news/moshe-kasher-cancer
- Human papillomavirus vaccine for children and adolescents: https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/HPV
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