Anal cancer has been put in the spotlight with Farrah Fawcetts's battle with the disease. What many people are starting to learn is that a common virus, HPV, is a major risk risk factor for developing anal cancer.

HPV is a virus transmitted thorugh sexual contact and it is estimated that over 20 million Americans are infected. There are over 100 different types of HPV, however only a few are responsible for cancer development. HPV is also the leading cause of cervical cancer, a disease that plagues of 9,000 American women each year. The good news is that most cases of HPV clear up on their own before progressing to cancer. However, a regular Pap smear is needed to monitor any changes in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. The bottom line is that if you don't get a Pap smear, you are more at risk of developing cervical cancer.

The FDA has given their approval to expand the use of Gardasil to include males. The vaccine, which provides protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV), is targeted for males ages 9 to 26. It will help prevent two strains of HPV known to cause genital warts in both men and women. The vaccine has not yet been included in the CDC's vaccine schedule for males, but it is likely to be included. Until Gardasil is included in the vaccine schedule, most insurance companies will not likely cover the cost of the vaccine, which is about $360. The good news is that the CDC is expected to meet next week to discuss Gardasil's inclusion, so there shouldn't be too long of a delay in getting males vaccinated.

• What Parents of Boys Need to Know About the HPV Vaccine

I have always practiced safe sex by using a condom, but my doctor says that I have HPV. How is this possible? Don't condoms prevent HPV?
-An About.com Cervical Cancer reader

It's common knowledge that condoms provide excellent protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, but how do they fare against the human papillomavirus (HPV)? Most people are unsure about whether condoms provide protection and it's a growing concern as people become more aware about HPV.

Read: Condoms and HPV to find out how much protection condoms provide against the cancer causing virus.

_{Photo (c) Bill Davenport}

Recently, a reader posted a question about whether you should tell your partner if you have HPV. HPV is a common virus with serious health consequences, but is it so common that we underestimate the health effects? I spoke to a group recently who had mixed feelings about telling their partner. Here are some of the responses:

"It's not like it AIDS. My business is my business."

"Absolutely! Your partner has a right to know if you have a illness."

"It's too embarrassing. I would die before I told my girlfriend."

Some felt honesty was the best policy, but a strong majority felt it would be too awkward to tell their partner. What would you do?

Poll: Should You Tell Your Partner that You Have HPV?

• Yes
• No
• Depends on the relationship
• View Results

More About HPV

• What is HPV?
• HPV Symptoms
• How to Prevent HPV