MMWR News Synopsis for July 7, 2016

 

Human Papillomavirus–Associated Cancers — United States, 2008–2012

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

The number of HPV-associated cancers has increased to nearly 39,000 in the US. Vaccination and screening strategies are available today that can prevent thousands of HPV-associated cancers from ever developing.

The number of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers is on the rise according to a recent CDC study. HPV-associated cancers are typically located in the head and neck region, as well as the genitals and some reproductive organs, of men and women. From 2008 to 2012, HPV-associated cancers climbed to nearly 39,000, an increase over the previous five-year study period. These numbers include more than 11,700 cases of cervical cancer and 12,600 oropharyngeal cancers among males. CDC scientists stress that 28,500 cases of HPV- caused cancer could be prevented by HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer screening can find precancers before they develop into cancer.

Trends in Methadone Distribution for Pain Treatment, Methadone Diversion, and Overdose Deaths — United States, 2002–2014

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Actions to reduce the use of methadone for pain appear to be leading to declines in methadone overdose deaths and methadone diversion. Importantly, these actions appear to be appropriately linked to the use of methadone for pain and not impeding access to methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The prescription opioid methadone used for pain has been identified as an important contributor to the rise in opioid-related overdose deaths. In recent years, a number of actions to reduce methadone use for pain have been taken. Our study found that after 2006, as the use of methadone for pain declined, there was a corresponding decrease in methadone-related overdose deaths and methadone diversion. In fact, the 3,400 methadone overdose deaths in 2014 are the lowest they have been in the US since 2003. Importantly, these declines appear to be appropriately linked to the use of methadone for pain and not impeding access to methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

Notes from the Field

• Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Caused by Coxsackievirus A6 Among Basic Military Trainees — Texas, 2015
• Ebola Virus Disease Cluster — Northern Sierra Leone, January 2016

QuickStats:

• Percentage of Medically Attended Injury Episodes That Resulted in Time Lost from Work or School by Number of Days Lost — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2011–2014

###

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES