This feature unveils a little-known but growing epidemic of throat cancer triggered by human papillomavirus (HPV) among male baby boomers. The sexually transmitted disease HPV is like the common cold: easy to catch and usually harmless. But high-risk strains can linger undetected for years, and then erupt in cancer. Cedars-Sinai’s pioneering scientists observe that changing sexual mores of the 1960s and beyond led to increased exposure to HPV. The result is difficult-to-detect throat cancers today.
Cedars-Sinai physician-scientists are working to determine whether less is more in treating HPV-related throat cancer. Little data exists on how best to treat older patients like those baby boomers affected by the latest surge in cases; our physicians are examining this problem.
The writer was solicited to craft the piece thanks to her enormous science writing talent and her ability to put interviewees at ease—even when they are discussing challenging medical experiences and topics such as sexual history.
From the Judges
Well-written, and flows exceptionally well, with good research elements.
