OralDNA Introduces New HPV Test

According to a February 26, 2010 press release, OralDNA has released its OraRisk HPV Salivary Test to help dentists assess the risks of certain types of oral cancer.

This is a HUGE HUGE medical advance. As OralLab’s Medical Director Dr. Ronald C. McGlennen stated in the release, “. . . the at-risk profile for oral cancer is rapidly changing . . . and a new profile has emerged. Research studies have identified several high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially the variant known as HPV-16, as potential etiologic agents in the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).”

SCCHN can be found in the oral cavity, tongue, tonsils oropharynx, and larynx — and affects approximately 40,000 individuals in the US each year.

Even more important, it is estimated that 50% of all diagnosed cases of oral cancer in the US are attributed to HPV — which is transferred via sexual activity.

As I’ve stated repeatedly in the last two years, if you have multiple sex partners, the risk of contacting oral cancer is higher than if you smoke!

Because this issue is so important to me, I’ll be spending the next few weeks presenting information about oral cancer — including interviews from oncologists as well as oral cancer survivors.

I’m doing this because no one in the mainstream media seems to be doing it — despite my sending out press releases, emails, story pitches, and other information regarding this important health issue.

If you’re a sexually active young women, please do not ignore this message. Call your dentist today and ask to be tested for oral cancer and/or HPV. Many dentists across the US (myself included) now have access to tests such as ViziLite, which is a simple wash that takes 90 seconds and can help save your life.

You can learn more about oral cancer by visiting my Squidoo page and by viewing the ViziLite demo below: