D.R.E.A.M.S. Come True: Harrisburg native hosts first annual African-American history expo

June 7, 2017 | by Allison Moody

Macajah Brown, D.R.E.A.M.S. CEO

Area residents will be able to celebrate and learn local African-American history at the first annual African-American Black History Expo this Saturday at the HACC Midtown parking lot.

Vendors, caterers and local business owners will come together for this event hosted by D.R.E.A.M.S. Minority Business Network. Attendees will participate in kickball, face-painting, a boxing exhibition and a chance to dunk Mayor Eric Papenfuse in a dunk tank to benefit the Harrisburg Baby Cougars Football Team, said Macajah Brown, D.R.E.A.M.S. CEO and Harrisburg native.

“My ancestors are crying and our young people are dying because of a lack of [knowing] black history,” Brown said.

After years of seeing Harrisburg’s need for a black history and culture event, Brown said that Black History Month motivated him to start this event. When he asked students at Rowland and Scott schools about their school’s namesakes, he said many students did not know the schools were named after prominent local African-American leaders.

Last December Brown decided to take on the project himself. Now, he said, the event will be his proudest accomplishment, aside from graduating college.

“This is six months of God’s work coming together,” Brown said. “I’ve been like a little kid in a candy store.”

Each hour, different masters of ceremony, including ABC27’s Janel Knight and Fox43’s Chris Garrett, will discuss topics ranging from spirituality to government.

Ancestors of prominent black community leaders will speak about their family histories and the importance of remembering those who have passed. Ancestry researcher Darlene Colon will be available to field questions about one’s own family history.

Brown said he encourages those of all ethnicities to come and hopes that this event gives residents a chance to learn about African-American challenges and triumphs.

“This event is about the love of being who you are and the love for your family,” Brown said. “I’ve got to instill this in younger people”

The African-American Black History Expo will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10 at HACC Midtown’s parking lots on 4^th and Reily streets. The event is free.

Author: Allison Moody

Drug Busts: 25 Harrisburg-area dealers charged in ongoing AG operation

June 6, 2017 | by Danielle Roth

State Attorney General Josh Shapiro

After two drug raids early this morning, Harrisburg residents on Luce and Balm streets felt safe to come out on their porches again, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro said.

“They could come outside again with confidence in their safety and well-being,” Shapiro said at a press conference today. “People are being held hostage in their own neighborhoods by these dealers and by these users who frequent these homes and street corners.”

The morning raids resulted in arrests that Shapiro announced today as part of an ongoing operation with the Attorney General’s Mobile Street Crimes Unit. Since the operation began in November, the unit has arrested 131 dealers selling heroin, the opioid fentanyl, powder cocaine, crack cocaine and other drugs in the Harrisburg region, AG officials said.

“These are serious dealers who were attracting users and crime,” Shapiro said. “These dealers are now out of business.”

Thirteen of the 25 alleged drug dealers whose names were released today are in custody, Shapiro said.

The ongoing operation also resulted in confiscating 17 illegally owned guns, seizing illegal drugs and more than $18,000 since November, Shapiro said.

Shapiro called this morning’s drug busts a “textbook [example] of what went well.”

The unit arrested two dealers on the 100-block of Balm St., near State and Cameron streets, seized $2,900 and nine grams of cocaine. At a house on the 2300-block of Luce Street, near Derry Street, the unit arrested one dealer, officials said.

The unit, which Shapiro accompanied this morning, found three young children, a baby and a mother “looking shocked” in the second home, Shapiro said.

“My heart is broken for the children in the drug-infested neighborhoods,” he said. “We need to do better by these children.”

Mayor Eric Papenfuse and Police Chief Thomas Carter invited the unit into the city to target street-level dealers in November, Shapiro said. Papenfuse called Shapiro a “friend of the city.”

“This is an example of the cooperation necessary to do justice,” Papenfuse said.

The unit works with local municipalities across the state to target street-level crimes, normally related to drugs or gangs, AG officials said.

The Mobile Street Crimes Unit also works with Dauphin County agencies, state police agencies, federal agencies and the local police departments in Middletown, Susquehanna Township, Lower Paxton Township and Steelton.

“As you can see, we all stand up here as one,” Carter said, joined by officials from the cooperating agencies and municipalities. “Everybody has given their word that we will fight this drug war and we will save as many kids as we can. because the future is all about our kids.”

“These communities made it a priority to target street-level dealers,” Shapiro said.

Author: Danielle Roth

Brush with Greatness: African-American history mural planned for side of Jackson Hotel.

June 6, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

The old Jackson Hotel in Harrisburg, including, at the right, the wall where a mural is planned.

A new mural will celebrate Harrisburg’s African-American history, adorning the side of a building that once hosted such luminaries as Louis Armstrong and Pearl Bailey.

Sprocket Mural Works announced the project yesterday for the former Jackson Hotel and Rooming House on the 1000-block of N. 6^th Street, a building that, decades ago, catered primarily to a black clientele refused service in the city’s major, segregated hotels.

“It will be an African-American historic mural, playing off the history itself,” said Sprocket co-founder Jeff Copus.

The Jackson Hotel painting is one of 10 murals that will be created during the Harrisburg Mural Festival, which Sprocket is organizing for the first 10 days of September.

Copus last night told the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board (HARB) that the mural will feature people who stayed at the hotel, possibly including entertainers like Armstrong, Bailey, Cab Callaway and Ella Fitzgerald. It may also incorporate images of important Harrisburg figures such as Ephraim Slaughter, an escaped slave who fought in the Civil War and later settled in the city.

In August, Sprocket will seek public input for the mural design, Copus said.

Sprocket is commissioning artist Cesar Viveros to paint the mural. Locally, Viveros is best known as the artist-in-residence who helped design and lead the creation of the Mulberry Street Bridge murals.

HARB voted 4-2 to support the mural, the two “no” votes from members who wanted more input into the actual mural design. While HARB must approve a mural project within the historic district, the details of the painting are beyond its purview.

As the building’s owner, HARB member Jeremiah Chamberlin abstained from the vote. Chamberlin bought the building about 18 months ago, hoping to save it from further deterioration. It has been unoccupied for almost 20 years since the death of long-time owner German Jackson, who bequeathed it Dave Kegris, owner of the Jackson House restaurant next door. Kegris eventually sold it to Kerry and Lessa Helm, who then sold it to Chamberlin.

Ted Hanson, a long-time resident of the Old Fox Ridge neighborhood, wanted assurances that Chamberlin would begin work to stabilize and restore the building.

“My concern is that the building is in serious distress,” Hanson told the HARB board. “I am very concerned if stability doesn’t happen very quickly, you’ll be painting a mural on a crumbling property.”

Chamberlin assured Hanson that he would begin work on the building “within the next couple of weeks.”

“I have no desire to see my investment lost either,” Chamberlin said.

Hanson also was concerned that the mural might impede development of the vacant lots next door, as new construction could block the view of the mural. Copus said that Sprocket would not stand in the way of the development of the empty lots at N. 6^th and Herr streets, which are owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority and by Bethel AME Church, a historically black congregation that lost its church to an arson fire in 1995.

“Hopefully, this will generate interest in that underutilized lot,” Copus said.

Click here for more information on the Harrisburg Mural Festival.

Author: Lawrance Binda

Love on Display: “Ah, Wilderness” presents timeless tale, fitting finish

June 6, 2017 | by Danielle Roth

A young, naïve couple, a tired marriage and an irrational pairing: Open Stage of Harrisburg honestly portrays timeless themes of love in “Ah, Wilderness,” which opened Friday.

The play follows the Miller family in small-town Connecticut in 1906 as they gather for the Fourth of July holiday. The parents—an understanding father, Nat Miller (Brian Schreffler), and nit-picking mother, Essie Miller (Emily Gray)—are busy raising four children, including protagonist Richard Miller (Michael Hardenberg).

Richard, a high school senior, has fallen for his first love, the timid and plain Muriel McComber (Erin Shellenberger). After reading scandalous love poems and Oscar Wilde books, he believes he understands the world and all its emotions. The plot primarily follows the coming-of-age story of his forbidden love.

Hardenberg’s performance was an electrifying thread that brought the entire play together. He stepped up to the challenge to portray youthful naiveté and over-confidence, sometimes simultaneously. The well-paced and long-awaited scene with his sweetheart, whose father forbids their relationship, felt surprisingly honest and intimate.

The dysfunctional couple, the alcoholic Sid Davis (Dan Burke) and “old maid” schoolteacher Lilly Miller (Lisa Haywood), contrast the young, innocent lovers. The odd pairing never married, yet they each irrationally depend on the other for emotional support. The well-cast Burke, complete with protruding belly and of-the-era mustache, was a delight to watch, especially when spewing wise lines between drunken goofiness.

The strong performances of the head-of-household couple, Nat and Essie, grounded the play’s emotional storylines. At first, the gender roles—the hands-off father and the hysterical mother—struck me as antiquated, but fitting for the era. As the play progressed, and their son Richard developed, though, their relationship and characters became more nuanced, which I appreciated.

The laughs garnered by the child actors (Jonathon Hoover playing 11-year-old Tommy Miller and Sheridan Lain playing 15-year-old Mildred Miller) are a testament to the quality of the Open Stage Studio/School started by founder Anne Alsedek. As the final play for OSH founders, Don and Anne Alsedek, “Ah, Wilderness” presents a fitting cap to their decades-long careers in local theater.

Another familiar connection brought their OSH legacy full circle. Don’s sister and OSH’s former resident costume designer, Gwen Alsedek, returned as costume designer for this performance.

The in-period dresses, suits and hairstyles included the smallest details that took the audience into the charming era. The turn-of-the-century time period offered a simplicity not found in today’s era of instant communication and constant contact. The young lovers squabble over a letter. The mother stays up until midnight worrying, not texting and calling, while she waits for her son to return. The characters are actually excited for the holiday’s fireworks.

As the play concluded and Richard learned from testing the waters, I thought to myself that this story of love and family tied a nice bow on the Alsedek’s time leading OSH.

Author: Danielle Roth

TheBurg Podcast, June 2, 2017

June 2, 2017 | by TheBurg Editor

Illustration by Brad Gebhart

Welcome to TheBurg Podcast, a weekly roundup of news in and around Harrisburg.

June 2, 2017: This week, Editor-in-Chief Lawrance Binda and City Reporter Danielle Roth discuss the issues that Mayor Eric Papenfuse will face in his next term. Then, they dive into some recent beautification news in the city–dog parks, anti-litter campaigns–and touch on updates from City Council, including a proposed expansion of the Downtown Improvement District.

Subscribe to TheBurg Podcast on iTunes and Google Play.

Special thanks to Paul Cooley, who wrote our theme music. Check out his podcast, the PRC Show on iTunes.

Find the stories related to this week’s podcast:

Litter-free HBG: New trash can lids aim to reduce city-wide litter.

City Council Update: Reservoir Park Bandshell to receive fresh paint, general repairs

Pooch Paradise: Dog park proposed for Midtown Harrisburg.

City Council Update: Park updates, police contract approved.

Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 1, 2017 | by Sara Bozich

Happy June! Looking forward to a month of Vitamin D (let’s hope).

This weekend is my neighborhood’s semi-annual yard sale, so I’m looking forward to getting rid of some things. Please do come buy my crap. Great deals!

Unfortunately, this also means I’ll be missing my usual Saturday morning gym/market routine, but somehow I hope to survive.

On Sunday, you can check out the project we worked on over the Memorial Day holiday with the Harrisburg Vidjam 2017 Screening and Awards at Midtown Cinema.

What are you doing this weekend?

(more…)

City Swap: Had enough of Washington? Hear me out.

May 31, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Hey, you, down there.

Yeah, you.

The guy stuck in traffic on the Washington Beltway. The woman staring up at the electronic sign, waiting, waiting for a Metro train. The couple thinking that half-a- million might be a fair price for a nothing-special apartment.

Look up here.

Sure, I understand. Perhaps you have a regular job where face time is important. Maybe you can’t imagine leaving your neighborhood or friends or just enjoy the buzz of a big metropolis, despite the aggravations.

I lived in Washington for about 25 years and loved most of my time there—with certain exceptions for the traffic, the tourists and the time I got mugged.

But it’s also possible you don’t really love it there or just want to do something crazy like afford a decent house. Maybe you freelance or telecommute or can switch your federal job for a state job. This option isn’t for everyone, but maybe it’s for 10 or 15 percent of you. To you, I say, consider coming north, due north.

I did. And so did Zachary and Devin and Ivan and Teresa and Shana and lots of others. It’s a long list. We have a little D.C. ex-pat community going on here in Harrisburg.

If you’re even a smidge interested, you’ll want to know about this place you’ve probably never thought of before, much less visited. It’s a small, complicated city, much more complex than its size would indicate. So, here are a few starting points in your research, before you begin greedily scanning Trulia for that cheap, historic townhouse of your dreams.

Harrisburg will remind you of Washington, only smaller. We have a huge Capitol building, a beautiful river, Victorian-era neighborhoods, legislators, lobbyists, corruption, nonprofits, Washington Nationals players and a longstanding feud between our local and state governments. Sound familiar? We’ve even had a turn with insolvency and receivership. And, sorry, Eastern Market, I love you, but the Broad Street Market is somewhere between five and 100 times better.

The cost of housing will make your eyes pop out. This may be the single-most compelling reason to decamp for old HBG. A renovated, 100-year-old rowhouse in a nice, historic neighborhood for under $200,000? How many do you want?

You’ll be surprised by the divisions. Washington has its deep divisions, but you usually can hide from them if you want. You can’t do that in a small city like Harrisburg, where they’re right in your face. City vs. suburbs, racial, economic, political, natives vs. newcomers, even generational, as young people begin to migrate into the city. It can get pretty tense at times. Similarly, you’ll find that even a small city like Harrisburg has problems with schools, poverty and crime, things that you’d like to leave behind in D.C.

You’ll be surprised by the sense of community: For all its divisions, Harrisburg has a strong sense of community, assuming, of course, that you choose to be part of it. Depending on your liking, you might find your people in a neighborhood group, a church, a coffee shop, a bar, an arts organization. And everyone goes to the Broad Street Market.

You’ll be surprised by the quality of the food—and the prices. Harrisburg is thick with restaurants, excellent ones. On the other hand, if you think you’re going to get a bargain, think again, as prices are not that different from D.C.—that is outside of a few old diners that may have last updated their menus in the Eisenhower administration.

Want to start a business? Give it a go. That’s why I moved here. In fact, I’m often surprised at the rate of success for small businesses, especially restaurants. The economy is much thinner than in D.C., which is challenging. However, your startup costs, especially for real estate, probably will be much lower. And you just may find a niche that needs to be filled.

Want to be somebody? Harrisburg needs smart, hard-working, creative, talented and caring people. And that applies to almost every aspect of life, from politics to business to the arts to the community. If you want, you can make an impact almost immediately. Sure, you could be a big fish in a small pond in a thousand other places, but there are two things that give this city an edge. First, it’s close enough to D.C., Baltimore and Philly that you’re still in the same general neighborhood. Secondly, assuming you like city life, you can slip right in. Your neighborhood coffee roaster is now Little Amps or Elementary; your favorite bistro is now Note or Home 231; your craft brewery is now Zeroday or the Millworks; your funky arts venue is H*MAC; your indie bookstore is Midtown Scholar. And I think I’ve already expressed my feelings about the Broad Street Market. One unique thing about Harrisburg is its nearness to other wonderful little places like Lancaster, York, Carlisle, Elizabethtown and Hershey, as well as the legendary PA Dutch/Amish countryside.

Well, I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea: cheap real estate, great amenities, terrific location, comparatively little traffic. And some problems. It’s a nice place, but it’s certainly not nirvana.

But maybe it’s for you. Do some research. Email me. I’ll fill you in.

Lawrance Binda is editor-in-chief of TheBurg.

Breezy Listening: Music, theater in the spotlight at DeSoto Amphitheater.

May 31, 2017 | by Don Helin

As I stood on the back steps watching a pink streak across the sky from a lovely sunset while listening to a band do its sound checks, I wondered what the Ned Smith Center’s namesake would have thought of this amphitheater.

Would Smith, a talented artist and writer, be happy with just wooden benches and a concrete slab? Or would he prefer a state-of-the-art stage, sound system, lighting, stadium seating and dressing rooms?

The DeSoto Amphitheater for the Performing Arts actually falls between these two extremes.

“The idea for an amphitheater was part of the original conceptual dream for the center building itself,” Executive Director John Booth said. “The Ned Smith Center opened in 2004, but the amphitheater was yet to be started. Frankly, the two biggest challenges were funding and design.”

It was not an easy path, requiring years of planning, scaling up and down, fundraising and final design and construction. However, the amphitheater finally opened to its first performance in 2014.

“Throughout this long cycle, we continued to believe this was yet another opportunity to merge the arts with the natural world and foster a celebration of both,” Booth said. “On the amphitheater stage, performers can share their talent in an outdoor environment, bringing together the values of art, nature and conservation.”

With several years now under their belts, amphitheater staff looks forward to an exciting 2017 season, Booth said.

“It’s ambitious to say the least,” he said. “We have scheduled 10 different performances, ranging from the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet to an Irish rock band.”

The music kicks off on June 3, as Lester Hirsh, a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, guitarist and all-around troubadour, arrives. Performing on Spanish six-string and acoustic 12-string guitars, his style ranges from classical, country and folk to Brazilian jazz and flamenco.

On June 17, children’s performer Jim Rule will feature songs and stories ranging from toe-tapping tunes to inspirational anthems. Local favorites, the Ryan Alan Band, will stop by on June 24 with a country-infused rock sound.

The concerts will continue through September, with the season wrapping up on Oct. 14 with the annual Fall Family Fun Day. This event is designed to increase awareness of the natural world and will include a live animal presentation at the amphitheater.

Plenty to Do

For much of the summer, Gamut Theatre will conduct a summer theater camp at Ned Smith, extending their work into this rural community.

Through eight sessions over four weeks, students will study theater, acting and voice. Students and guest artists also will work on a play for presentation.

The camp culminates on July 21 and 22, when the young participants will perform the play they rehearsed over the course of the camp. The play will be presented at the amphitheater just prior to “Romeo and Juliet,” Gamut’s selection for its “Shakespeare in the Woods” program.

“Gamut’s executive director, Melissa Nicholson, has played an integral part in the planning of this project from the very start,” said Sue Frederick, the center’s grants coordinator. “Gamut’s troupe will donate additional time to develop lesson plans, write the script and consult on the evaluation and assessment of the project.”

Whether going to see professional artists or your own kids perform, attendees should arrive early, Booth said.

“There is plenty to do before a performance,” she said. “The center sits on 535 acres of prime forestland located on and around Berry’s Mountain. There are over 12 miles of hiking trails, a picnic grove, fishing opportunities and bird feeding stations.”

You also can visit the three galleries at the center. In the Olewine Gallery, “Wild America,” the Roger Tory Peterson exhibit, will be on display through Aug. 27. In the Romberger Gallery, Rich Metzger will host a woodcarving exhibit until July 4, and the always-popular “Youth Art Contest” winners will follow from July 4 to Oct. 1. As always, the Ned Smith Gallery has a display of his original art.

This year, Armstrong Valley Winery will offer tastings and sales at a number of shows.

So, stretch your legs and hike the trails Ned Smith walked, go fishing in his beloved Wiconisco Creek, and bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy. You might even be inspired, like Smith, to jot down field notes or sketches chronicling your visit.

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is located at 176 Water Company Rd., Millersburg. For more information, visit www.nedsmithcenter.org.

Author: Don Helin

Bittersweet “Wilderness”: The Alsedeks’ final play is, rightly, about family.

May 31, 2017 | by Laura Dugan

It seems so fitting.

It seems fitting that the final play for Open Stage founders Don and Anne Alsedek is one featuring a close-knit family, Eugene O’Neill’s “Ah, Wilderness.”

“Ah, Wilderness” is a story about the Miller family as they celebrate the 4th of July while coping with the usual drama of teens in love, family values and political differences. While set in the early 1900s, the themes of the show are timeless.

Though a comedy, “Ah, Wilderness” has actually been a bittersweet experience for several of the actors who have worked over the years with the Alsedeks, who are retiring after the conclusion this month of the theater’s 31st season.

“I’ve been walking around in rehearsals thinking, ‘This is the last time’,” said Lisa Haywood, who portrays Lily Miller. “I wouldn’t even be in theater if it weren’t for Don and Anne. They encouraged me and helped me to grow as an actor. There are a lot of really special connections here.”

Haywood has been in numerous shows at Open Stage, with Don directing nearly every one of those productions.

Brian Schreffler, who portrays Miller family patriarch Nat and who has been featured in “Anne Frank” for eight years, agreed with Haywood.

“I’m certainly going to miss both of them,” said Schreffler. “They have been near and dear friends for 40-some years.”

Another Open Stage veteran featured in “Ah, Wilderness” is Dan Burke, who was in one of the first Open Stage productions, “And a Nightingale Sang.” Burke plays Sid Davis.

“I love working with Don because he gives the actor freedom to explore in every rehearsal,” said Burke. “Don gives the actor respect. He gives you the opportunity to play, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Burke, who also directs and provides fight choreography for several local theaters, said that Don’s style has impacted how he now directs.

Dave Olmstead, scenic designer for “Ah, Wilderness,” is another local director whose directorial style has changed from working with Don.

“I would say Don’s style of directing has greatly influenced the way that I now direct,” he said. “It’s more hands off, trusting the actor and guiding their natural instincts.”

Olmstead has acted in multiple shows directed by Don and has starred across from Anne in a variety of roles.

“The Alsedeks had this idea of professionally producing plays in this area that wouldn’t normally be done,” Olmstead said. “They’re often the Pennsylvania premier for a lot of these shows. I applaud Don, Anne and Open Stage co-founder Marianne Fischer, to not only create this vision but to maintain it for so many years.”

Stuart Landon, current associate artistic director, will step into the position of artistic director on July 1.

“I think Stuart Landon is going to do a remarkable job,” said Schreffler. “I’m sure Stuart will respect the tradition that Don and Anne have built. I’m definitely looking forward to Open Stage’s future.”

Returning for this production is former Open Stage resident costume designer, Gwen Alsedek. Gwen, Don’s sister, retired in 2015.

“It’s nice that Gwen and I get to go out together,” said Don. “It’s also great to work on my final show as artistic director with actors who have been with Open Stage for a long time.”

The cast of “Ah, Wilderness” also features Emily Gray, Patrick Stoner, Michael Hardenburg, Sheridan Lain, Jack Hoover, Jim Lewis, Erin Shellenberger, Lucas Haywood, Madison McCann, Caroline Chronister and Aaron Bomar.

“Ah, Wilderness” runs June 2 to 25 at Open Stage of Harrisburg. Tickets and information on show times are available at www.openstagehbg.com.

Upcoming Theater Events At Open Stage of Harrisburg
www.openstagehbg.com

“Ah, Wilderness”
A classic romance by Eugene O’Neill
June 2 to 25

Auditions for Music Theatre Workshop
Saturday, June 10 by appointment ‬
July 10 to 28 theater camp for students ages 12 to 18‬‬
email: [email protected]

Disney’s “Aladdin Kids”
June 29 & 30, 7 p.m.

Subscriptions on Sale for Season 32 for package of plays 2017 to 2018

Author: Laura Dugan

Carnal Knowledge: What it is HPV, and how to prevent it?

May 31, 2017 | by Jose E. Misas, MD

Patient education and vaccine awareness campaigns are helping more people understand the connection between human papillomavirus (HPV) and reproductive cancers like cervical cancer. But fewer people understand the relationship that also may exist between head and neck cancers and this sexually transmitted infection.

About 80 million Americans are infected with one of the many types of HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus can infect the anus, genitals and oropharynx (tonsils and back of throat) as a result of genital, anal and oral sex. Certain HPV types can cause genital warts, which are considered low-risk.

But other types of HPV can cause cancer in different areas of the body, including the genitals and throat, and are considered to be high-risk. More than one in five adults in the United States has the type of HPV that can cause cancer, according to an April 2017 CDC report.

The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been gradually increasing over the last three decades. About 7 percent of Americans have oral HPV, which is three times more common in men than women. In some people, oral HPV infection leads to HPV-OSCC (HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer) many years after contracting the infection.

Both head and neck cancers are treated similarly—whether or not they are caused by or related to HPV. Treatment decisions are based on:

Size of the tumor
Location of the tumor
Stage of the disease
Overall health of the patient
Patient wishes of the patient

Researchers are studying to determine whether cancer treatments should be changed based on the presence or absence of HPV. About 30 to 40 percent of HNSCC patients present with early stage I/II disease, usually using single modality treatments such as radiation or surgery alone. HPV-driven tumors are more sensitive to radiation and to Cisplatin or chemo-based therapy.

The vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix have been shown to help prevent cervical cancer. Gardasil also helps prevent vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers, as well as genital warts. To date, there are no conclusive studies that show similar protection against oropharyngeal cancer. However, with the availability of these vaccines, physicians are hopeful that the incidence of HPV-related throat cancers will decrease over time.

In all cases, vaccines are designed to prevent HPV infections and are recommended for boys and girls before they become sexually active. An open dialogue between patients and providers about HPV, testing and vaccines can mean a better prognosis.

Understanding how the infection spreads is important for prevention. HPV is not spread through touching or kissing. HPV is contagious through genital and oral contact, so the sexual partners of a person diagnosed with HPV also have been exposed. However, since some infections clear up on their own and not all viruses become cancerous, the chance of a partner getting an HPV-related cancer is low.

Still, precautions should be taken. Contracting the virus is avoidable when men and women practice safe sex and communicate about their health and partner history.

Symptoms of HPV may not be present, but this chronic disease stays with a person for a lifetime. So while treatments and breakthroughs can help manage the disease, there is no cure. Using a condom, understanding HPV and knowing one’s own and a partner’s health history is crucial—especially in avoiding a possible cancer diagnosis.

If a partner is female, she should follow normal women’s health guidelines, which include having a routine Pap test. If a partner is male, he does not need any special exams or tests, because there is no routine or standard HPV screening offered for men. Additionally, there is no effective screening test for head and neck cancer.

For more information about HPV or to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider, visit pinnaclehealth.org.

Jose E. Misas, MD, is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist at the PinnacleHealth Women’s Cancer Center.

FAST FACTS

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses.
High-risk types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis and throat.
The type of cancer HPV causes most often is cervical cancer.
Men can get penile HPV cancer.
In women, HPV infection can also cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar HPV cancers.
Most HPV infections go away by themselves and don’t cause cancer; however, abnormal cells can develop when high-risk types of HPV don’t go away.
Genital warts appear as a small bump or groups of bumps in the genital area. They can range in size and shape.

Author: Jose E. Misas, MD

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