Human papillomavirus (HPV), the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer in women, is fast becoming a major cause of oral cancer in men, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The number of men becoming afflicted by the cancers of the upper throat via the HPV virus is similar to those who catch the deadly disease due to the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. According to Dr. Maura Gillison, co-author of the study, “If current trends continue, within the next 10 years there may be more oral cancers in the United States caused by HPV than tobacco or alcohol.”

Merck & Co.’s Gardasil, the only HPV vaccine in the market and approved by the FDA for young girls and women, may be filed for the FDA approval later this year for use by men.