Oral sex can lead to oral tumors

Oral sex can lead to oral tumors…

…. according to a US study published in the New Scientist. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection that has been known to cause cervical cancers. However, studies have suggested it also plays a role in other cancers, including oral cancer.  Out of those, 1,670 people had oral cancer, the people with oral cancers containing the HPV16 strain the most commonly seen strain in cervical cancer were three times as likely to report having had oral sex . We have known for some time that there is a small but significant group of people with oral cancer whose disease cannot be blamed on decades of smoking and drinking, because they’re too young. In this group there must be another factor, and HPV and oral sex seems to be one likely explanation.  3/04

Source:
AGD, ADA Journal.

(Dental-) Holiday supersavers: ten steps to a real bargain break

Most people return from their holidays broke and overbaked, but with our guide to getting the most out of your trip you could be getting off the plane  with a clean conscience, new curtains and a sparkling set of teeth. (dailymail)

1. Get a full medical checkup
A battery of tests to assess your state of health or to diagnose a niggling problem costs £495 from the private medical group Doctorcall (0844 257 0345; doctorcall.co.uk) or £630 from Bupa (bupa.co.uk). But in Eastern Europe, you could get that plus a week’s holiday for not much more. At the new high-tech Lasko Health Spa in Slovenia, for instance, a thorough checkup by a doctor, followed by a week of treatments, plus seven nights’ half board, flights and transfers will cost you around £870. To book, contact medical spa specialists Thermalia (0870 165 9420; thermaliaspas.co.uk).